IAIN KELLY

CHILD’S PLAY

The Captain wrestled with the pedals and stick, struggling to get the helicopter back under control. An unknown external force seemed to have taken over the craft.

They were swirling in circles. The rotor blades had stalled, there was no point in trying to adjust cyclic or yaw rates now. Outside the large pink and purple brick tower flashed passed again. All he could do was hold on for dear life.

The side door behind him flew open and he saw Mr Cuddles plummet to the ground below. A rumbling noise like thunder, or the laughter of a giant, crashed all around him. There was a god-like voice. It was unbearably loud. It sounded like it was chanting ‘Dinner’s ready.’

The motion changed. The helicopter was flying through the air heading straight for the tower. The Captain closed his eyes and braced for the impact.

The tower crumbled to pieces that landed all around him. The helicopter landed on its side but in one piece. The Captain shook his head. He had survived – again.


Helicopter Flight

Flash fiction story run by Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. Write a story based on the prompt photo (above). Many thanks to Priceless Joy for hosting the challenge and for choosing one of my photographs as the prompt for this week! Learn more here: FFfAW

Read more stories inspired by this prompt here: INLINKZ GROUP

43 responses to “CHILD’S PLAY”

  1. Joy Joyancel Avatar

    Always a good read… 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Many thanks Joy, very kind!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. draliman Avatar

    I hope Mr Cuddles lived to “fly” another day 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Poor Mr Cuddles – at least he might get a cuddle later, unlike the poor Captain! Thanks for reading.

      Liked by 2 people

  3. izzy-grabs-life Avatar

    Wow oh wow! I love this. Great show of a vivid imagination. I want to reread this and have the scene play out in my head again. Excellent job!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Izzy, really appreciate it!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. izzy-grabs-life Avatar

        ^_^ You’re welcome!

        Like

  4. Lynn Love Avatar
    Lynn Love

    Haha! Nicely done, Iain. We swung from crime thriller to ‘time for tea’ in just a few words! Love the way you’ve written it, so we can work the truth out for ourselves, subtly done and not heavy handed.
    Great tale 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Many thanks Lynn. I think the photo prompted me to either a thriller or a child’s toy, so in the end I combined the two! Glad you enjoyed it.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lynn Love Avatar

        It worked really well. A great read 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  5. thelonelyauthorblog Avatar
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Many thanks for reading.

      Like

  6. Priceless Joy Avatar

    Hahaha! Children have such vivid imaginations! Loved this and sure hope Mr. Cuddles wasn’t hurt in the crash. Thank you for loaning us the photo for our prompt.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks and you’re welcome. It’s great to read everyone’s different take on it.

      Like

      1. Priceless Joy Avatar

        It is fun to read everyone’s take on this photo prompt!

        Like

  7. Jerrod Avatar
    Jerrod

    This was a good read!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Jerrod.

      Liked by 1 person

  8. jademwong Avatar

    Great choice adding in that last word “again”. That word just threw the story in a whole new territory. How many times has the Captain survived? Is there something magical/supernatural going on? Is the universe intervening on his behalf? So many questions Iain! Fantastically well-written story.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. shehannemoore Avatar

    AH Iain, you always have or r leave the reader guessing. Oh and wanting more.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Shehanne, I hope it leaves you guessing in a good way!

      Liked by 1 person

  10. creatingahome Avatar

    His possessed isn’t he?
    Brilliant story.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Certainly possessed in one sense, yes! Thanks for reading and kind comment.

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Singledust Avatar

    play time can become quite serious it seems till an adult voice breaks the magic! liked the build up of excitement of an exhilarating ride. that was some super helicopter to crash a tower and still be in one piece!

    Liked by 1 person

  12. rosemawrites Avatar

    that’s a relief to know Captain is safe! This is one tensed yet beautiful told tale!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      1. rosemawrites Avatar

        You’re welcome!

        Liked by 1 person

  13. joesephin Avatar

    Reblogged this on joesephin.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Many thanks joesephin.

      Like

  14. swritings Avatar

    Great read! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Many thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Sonny Price Avatar

    A thrilling read! Thank goodness the captain survived and landed in time for dinner. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Sonny, glad you enjoyed.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Russell J. Fellows Avatar

    Hilarious. Good thing the captain gets a respite, for now at least.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. LionAroundWriting Avatar

    Fun, inventive. I always love these types of stories where reality is not as it seems.

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Kevin Harryyanto Avatar

    Thrilling! I hope Captain there is ready for another flight! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Ellespeth Avatar

    My goodness! I babysat for this kid last night 😛
    Nicely done.
    Ellespeth

    Liked by 2 people

  20. Oscar Dandelion Avatar

    I love this, Iain, it’s charming and a different angle 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Many thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Goky Avatar

    Nice story, the quick action description kept my attention going 🙂
    I’m trying to write something on my blog for the first time, do you have recommendation on where I could post stories for people to tell me if it’s worth reading? Regards

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Depends on what sort of thing you are wanting to write. Doing these little stories is a good way to make some connections as well as doing a little bit of writing practice. Join in with the group by clicking the links at the bottom of my posts. Good luck, I look forward to seeing your posts.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Goky Avatar

        Thank you for a quick reply Iain, I will start from there 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

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