My Words, My World

First drafts – A few pages in the large wilderness of the world of writing

Archive for the category “dark fiction”

31 Oct 2025
5 Comments

Don’t Turn Your Back (on Jack-o’-Lantern)

Here’s a little something to get you into the spirit of Halloween…

Tommy tied the shirt and trouser cuffs, filled the clothes with straw, and shaped the hands and feet. He placed the figure in the chair at the table.

Next, he took the pumpkin and carved the eyes, nose, and a horror mouth of pointed teeth. As he cut the last one, the knife slipped, slashing across his hand. Blood ran onto the teeth.

He placed a candle inside the head and set the head on the shoulders of the straw man, then went to the kitchen to wash the blood from his hands.

At the table, the candle flickered into life behind a mouth that began to move.
The head tilted down. The carved eyes glowed brighter.
Slowly, the straw figure rose from the chair, and a straw hand reached for the knife.

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: dont-turn-your-back.jpg
Posted in creative writing, dark fiction, Flash Fiction, Halloween, Horror, Short Fiction Stories, Writing and tagged , , , , , ,
20 Sep 2025
3 Comments

99-word fiction: The Lighthouse

Another week, another 99-worder and another one for you to work out the what and why.

The lighthouse shakes as spray hurls against the window.

Jake sits with the room dark, save for the great lamp above and a single candle. A low horn moans into the night. Another wave crashes against the wall and booms in the darkness.

A photo lies on the table, its image dances in the flickering candlelight.

Two faces look out from the photo; one is his, the other a memory

Jake gives a thin smile, watching the smoke from his pipe coil up to the ceiling.

Now alone, he thinks about secrets hidden by the cruel and beautiful ocean.

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: the-lighthouse.jpg
Posted in 99-word fiction, 99-words, creative writing, dark fiction, Flash Fiction, iceberg-theory, Short Fiction Stories, Writing and tagged , , , , , ,
13 Sep 2025
3 Comments

99-word story: The Empty Chair

This week’s 99-word story is called The Empty Chair. Why? Well, that’s for you to decide.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

You know the worst thing about an empty chair? It rhymes with “no one there”, or worse, “where?”.  

There’s a place at the table where normally there’s a place mat, napkin, cutlery. Maybe a glass for the wine. 

Instead, just a piece of table cloth with nothing on it. 

No sitting down to grace, not that we ever did. No talk about the day, the weekend or whatever. 

The habit of turning my head, forkful of food in mid-air and talking. Now I just stare, straight ahead. And wonder.

You see, it’s not the empty chair. It’s the waiting.

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: the-empty-chair.jpg

Posted in 99-word fiction, 99-words, creative writing, dark fiction, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Fiction Stories, Writing and tagged , , , , , ,
06 Sep 2025
4 Comments

99-word story: The Last Train

The iceberg-theory: sometimes, what matters most is left unsaid.
This week’s 99-word story, The Last Train, is about a man, silent contemplation, a secret, and a suitcase.
What lies inside is for you to imagine.

The rain, diagonal in the light, drums on the station roof. 

One man sits apart from the others, suitcase on his lap. The station clock ticks off another minute. He checks his watch and taps his foot. 

A distant horn sounds and a light appears. 

Looking around, he opens the case again, stroking his hand over the contents. He closes his eyes, then the case. 

The tracks hum to the approaching train and the people get up, ignoring him. 

When it departs, only a child looks back. The man sits alone, suitcase still on his lap. Another minute passes.

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: the-last-train-2.jpg
Posted in 99-word fiction, 99-words, dark fiction, Flash Fiction, iceberg-theory, imagination, Short Fiction Stories and tagged , , , , , , , , , ,
30 Aug 2025
5 Comments

99-word story: The book

He closed the door and stood with his back against it. His head thumped as the voices on the other side became muffled, as had so much recently. He crossed to the table and sat down.

The book lay flat on the table, its thick binding rising off the surface like a construction. His trembling hands paused before they stroked the cover. He took a deep breath before his fingers gripped the cover and turned.

His fingers hovered over the photograph on the first page. His head dropped as he sat, staring, and the silence pressed closer around him.

Another attempt at minimal, using Hemingway’s iceberg-theory.

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: the-book.jpg
Posted in 99-word fiction, 99-words, dark fiction, iceberg-theory, Short Fiction Stories, words and tagged , , , , , , ,
23 Aug 2025
3 Comments

99-word story: The path ahead

I stand and wait, breathe in the wood, the damp soil and the moss on trees. The path is straight, like the paths I should have taken. Sometimes we have to meander. The trees change colour with the day’s fading light, just as we change and fade. I hear the wind in the branches but it passes me by unseen; and my hand grabs only air. I look up at the grey sky and follow the fall of the brown leaves as they pitch in the air, to and fro. I look up to see another season watching me.

This story was a challenge, laid before me by Esther Chilton (https://estherchilton.co.uk/). I couldn’t say no, even without an initial idea. The original photo was in colour, I just brought it down to the dark side. Thanks Esther, I hope you enjoy it! I’m still playing with Hemingway’s iceberg-theory.

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: trees.jpg
Posted in 99-word fiction, 99-words, dark fiction, Flash Fiction, iceberg-theory, photo, Short Fiction Stories, Writing and tagged , , , , , ,
19 Jul 2025
7 Comments

99-word story: The Stranger – episode 15: the final episode

‘They’ll find you eventually,’ she said.

Headlights flooded the car’s interior.

‘I think you mean now.’

The woman turned. The car behind them accelerated. 

‘Floor it, she said. ‘We can still make it.’

The Stranger shook his head.

Another car blocked the road ahead.

‘Or maybe we should stop running,’ he said. “You wanted everything.’

She handed him a gun.

‘After seven years of marriage to you, I deserved everything.’

She lit the envelope and left it on the seat. They stood back-to-back in the street.

‘We’ve never been so close,’ he said. 

She smiled, then the shooting started.

The end.

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: the-stranger-part-15-1.jpg

If you haven’t read the previous episodes, you can find them here:

99-word fiction: The Stranger | My Words, My World

Posted in 99-word fiction, 99-words, dark fiction, noir, Writing and tagged , , , , ,
12 Jul 2025
2 Comments

99-word story: The Stranger – episode 14

The lights of the all-night petrol station flashed by.

Her car was no longer following. He thought she’d stopped for gas.

The cops drove on.

His days of collecting for The Mob were over. So were hers. And now she wanted his cut.

He parked outside his apartment, raced in and took the envelope. And the ammunition.

Back outside, he scanned the street. Nothing. Relieved, he slid into the driver’s seat, key in hand. Cold steel touched the back of his head.

The woman’s voice was low.

‘Just take it slowly. Give me the gun, the envelope. And drive.’

If you haven’t read the previous episodes, you can find them here:

99-word fiction: The Stranger | My Words, My World

Posted in 99-word fiction, 99-words, dark fiction, Flash Fiction, noir, words, Writing and tagged , , , , , ,
05 Jul 2025
4 Comments

99-word fiction: The Stranger – episode 13

The Stranger looked in the rearview mirror. She was still there, two cars back, holding her place. Biding her time.

He wondered when—or if—she’d make her move.

The car behind him passed under the streetlights. His stomach knotted.

Two silhouettes, two hats, two lit cigarettes. Cops.

He understood why she was holding back.

The cops were laughing. Relaxed. They weren’t tailing him. At least, he didn’t think so. But maybe she did.

If he stayed here, he couldn’t get the money. If he made a move, so would she.

Did she know these streets like he did?

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: the-stranger-part-13.jpeg

If you haven’t read the previous episodes, you can find them here:

99-word fiction: The Stranger | My Words, My World

Posted in 99-word fiction, dark fiction, Flash Fiction, noir, Writing and tagged , , , , , ,
29 Jun 2025

99-word fiction: The Stranger – part XII

The woman’s hands gripped the steering wheel, knuckles white in the dark.

She had wanted to catch up and overtake, her focus on the man two cars ahead — until she noticed the one in between.

Her skin prickled. Something wasn’t right. Hats. Cops. In an unmarked car.

Either they were just out doing the rounds or they were also following him.

She looked down at the gun on the passenger seat. Keeping her eyes on the road, she slipped it into her bag.

She had no choice but to stay where she was, for now.

And watch.

And wait.

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: the-stranger-part-xii-1.jpg

If you haven’t read the previous episodes, you can find them here:

99-word fiction: The Stranger

Posted in 99-word fiction, 99-words, dark fiction, Flash Fiction, noir, Writing and tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment
21 Jun 2025
2 Comments

99-word fiction: The Stranger – part XI

The Stranger had to cross town. Ten minutes — ten minutes to wonder how he’d ended up like this.

Don’t bullshit a bullshitter, he thought. That’s why. There’s always a bigger shark up the food chain.

He’d seen what happened to the ones who crossed them. Fish food. Now he was the one they’d fit for concrete boots — unless he got out first.

He glanced in the mirror. She was still there. Strange. She was making no attempt to catch him. She just waited.

He wondered how much she knew.

And whether she’d pull the trigger.

Or take a deal.

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: the-stranger-part-xi.jpg

If you haven’t read the previous stories, you can find them here:

99-word fiction: The Stranger – part X

99-word fiction: The Stranger – part IX

99-word fiction: The Stranger – part VIII

99-word fiction: The Stranger – part VII

99-word fiction: The Stranger – part VI

99-word fiction: The stranger – part V

99-word fiction: The stranger – part IV | My Words, My World

99-word fiction: The stranger – part III | My Words, My World

99-word fiction: The stranger – part II | My Words, My World

99-word fiction – The stranger | My Words, My World

Posted in 99-word fiction, 99-words, dark fiction, Flash Fiction, noir, stories, Writing and tagged , , , ,
14 Jun 2025
1 Comment

99-word fiction: The Stranger – part X

The Stranger didn’t need the mirror to know she was following. The rain beat a rhythm on the roof of the car that the windscreen wipers joined.
Only an old man in an older car stood between them — no obstacle for her at all.
Back at the bar, he’d called her bluff. His gun had been empty. He knew hers wasn’t.
After the curve, he floored it. A quick look behind showed him she hadn’t moved.
Half the money was hidden. Enough to vanish — but not for long.
Still, disappearing would be enough. For now.
He just needed time

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: the-stranger-part-x.jpg

If you haven’t read the previous stories, you can find them here:

99-word fiction: The Stranger – part IX

99-word fiction: The Stranger – part VIII

99-word fiction: The Stranger – part VII

99-word fiction: The Stranger – part VI

99-word fiction: The stranger – part V

99-word fiction: The stranger – part IV | My Words, My World

99-word fiction: The stranger – part III | My Words, My World

99-word fiction: The stranger – part II | My Words, My World

99-word fiction – The stranger | My Words, My World

Posted in 99-word fiction, 99-words, atmospheric writing, dark fiction, Flash Fiction, noir, Short Fiction Stories, Writing and tagged , , , , ,
07 Jun 2025

99-word fiction: The Stranger – part IX

The woman slammed her hands on the steering wheel as she watched the taillights grow smaller. She cursed her stupidity. And the man’s desperate cunning.

Her orders had been clear; all of the money or the story of his dead body in the newspapers.

She knew the consequences if she failed.

She looked at the bag on the seat next to her. Half of what he owed – and enough for her to disappear.

The engine roared as she accelerated out of the car park, the car fishtailing as she struggled to keep it under control.

She had decided.

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: the-stranger-part-ix.jpg

If you haven’t read the previous stories, you can find them here:

99-word fiction: The Stranger – part VIII

99-word fiction: The Stranger – part VII

99-word fiction: The Stranger – part VI

99-word fiction: The stranger – part V

99-word fiction: The stranger – part IV | My Words, My World

99-word fiction: The stranger – part III | My Words, My World

99-word fiction: The stranger – part II | My Words, My World

99-word fiction – The stranger | My Words, My World

Posted in 99-word fiction, 99-words, atmospheric writing, dark fiction, noir, Suspense, Writing and tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment
31 May 2025
5 Comments

99-word fiction: The Stranger – part VIII

In the light of the open door, two men shook hands, turned up their collars, and ran for their cars. The rain was unforgiving, but the opportunity wasn’t.

The Stranger waited, then slipped between the two cars, lights off. Now she would have to move.

Brakelights flashed as the first car sounded its horn. Her engine idled, smoke curling from the exhaust.

Then the third car blared — longer, impatient. For the moment, he was hidden.

With a screech of tyres, she reversed back into the car park — just as the three cars peeled away into the dark wet night.

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: the-stranger-part-viii.jpg

If you haven’t read the previous stories, you can find them here:

99-word fiction: The Stranger – part VII

99-word fiction: The Stranger – part VI

99-word fiction: The stranger – part V

99-word fiction: The stranger – part IV | My Words, My World

99-word fiction: The stranger – part III | My Words, My World

99-word fiction: The stranger – part II | My Words, My World

99-word fiction – The stranger | My Words, My World

Posted in 99-word fiction, 99-words, dark fiction, noir, Non fiction, words, Writing and tagged , , , , , ,
24 May 2025

99-word fiction: The Stranger – part VII

The Stranger took shelter in his car, and listened to the rain pound the roof; he could barely hear himself think. For now, the way out was blocked.

She wouldn’t be able to stay there all night, someone had to leave. His only chance was to switch cars.

Out in the street the cops rolled by and he slid lower in his seat. She was bad — the cops were worse. One meant death, and liberation; the other a lifetime behind bars.

I just need to get that money, he thought, just as light spilled from the open bar door.

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: the-stranger-part-vii.jpg

If you haven’t read the previous stories, you can find them here:

99-word fiction: The Stranger – part VI

99-word fiction: The stranger – part V

99-word fiction: The stranger – part IV | My Words, My World

99-word fiction: The stranger – part III | My Words, My World

99-word fiction: The stranger – part II | My Words, My World

99-word fiction – The stranger | My Words, My World

Posted in 99-word fiction, 99-words, dark fiction, Flash Fiction, noir, Writing and tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment
17 May 2025

99-word fiction: The Stranger – part VI

Raindrops hit the pavement like pennies from heaven. A neon sign shimmered in the puddles. The Stranger pulled up his collar, stepped off the curb, and walked into hell.
Headlights pinned him. He raised a hand to his face. Behind the beams, an engine roared and tyres screeched.
He ducked his head and ran for the row of parked cars but the woman was fast. He dived behind his car just as she tore past, wind rushing over him.
Brake lights flared. The exit was blocked.
He still had half the money. He just needed to get to it.

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: the-stranger-part-vi.jpg

If you haven’t read the previous stories, you can find them here:

99-word fiction: The stranger – part V

99-word fiction: The stranger – part IV | My Words, My World

99-word fiction: The stranger – part III | My Words, My World

99-word fiction: The stranger – part II | My Words, My World

99-word fiction – The stranger | My Words, My World

Posted in 99-word fiction, 99-words, dark fiction, Flash Fiction, noir, Writing and tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment
10 May 2025
2 Comments

99-word fiction: The stranger – part V

With one last look at the barman, the Stranger nodded and opened the door. His eyes adjusted. He scanned the car park — just darkness. He knew she hadn’t left. He knew she was waiting for him, out there.

She had his money and a gun. He had a hire car from a company that had all his details. Bad odds. Bad night. His sweat mixed with rain.

In her car, the woman watched, waiting to see which car he took, her telephone in hand. They had half already. They could do without the rest. They could do without him.

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: notte-piovosa-in-citta.png

If you haven’t read the previous stories, you can find them here:

99-word fiction: The stranger – part IV | My Words, My World

99-word fiction: The stranger – part III | My Words, My World

99-word fiction: The stranger – part II | My Words, My World

99-word fiction – The stranger | My Words, My World

Posted in 99-word fiction, 99-words, atmospheric writing, dark fiction, Flash Fiction, noir, Short Fiction Stories, Suspense, Writing and tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,
08 Feb 2025
1 Comment

99-word fiction: The stranger – part IV

Outside, the woman hunched her shoulders against the rain and crossed the car park. She started the car and left it idling, the lights off. She looked at her bag on the passenger seat.

A half of something is better than of whole of nothing; for now, she thought.

In the darkness she revved the car and watched the entrance. And waited.

Inside, the barman shook his head and pointed towards the door. The stranger felt his stomach twist and his blood chill. He hadn’t seen her car leave and she had a gun. She also had a motive.

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: the-stranger-part-iv.jpg

If you haven’t read the previous stories, you can find them here:

99-word fiction – The stranger
99-word fiction: The stranger – part II
99-word fiction: The stranger – part III
Posted in 99-word fiction, 99-words, dark fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Fiction Stories, Writing and tagged , , , , , , ,
25 Jan 2025
5 Comments

99-word fiction: The stranger – part III

Thanks to Sharon, now I want to know what's going to happen every week...

The stranger sat with his hands in his coat pockets. The woman leaned forward, and felt inside his coat. She removed an envelope.

‘That feels about half of what was agreed.’

‘Half now, the other half …’

‘You’re in no position to negotiate.’

His eyes flickered down to his right hand, under the table.

‘I didn’t come empty-handed either. We can both get out of this if you finish your drink, and leave.’

Seeing no bluff, she drained her glass. With a smile, she stood, and left.

He asked for the bill.

‘Is there another way out of here?’

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: the-stranger-part-ii.jpg
Posted in 99-word fiction, 99-words, dark fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Fiction Stories, Writing and tagged , , , , , , ,
23 Jan 2025
2 Comments

99-word fiction: Animal instinct – part II

Following last week’s story, someone (Come on Jacqui and Esther, hands up…) asked me what happened next. I found myself in a South American hellhole to see for myself…

I watched the tail disappear in to the hole. The rat carried a message with my embassy’s number. It was my only chance. Corrupt leaders of failing South American countries are not inclined to treat foreign journalists kindly.

I was known in the town and I had my sympathisers. If the message found its way to one of them, then I had a chance. I laughed at my predicament.

Outside, the rat scurried between stalls, wary of feet and cats. It stopped and sniffed the air, just as a sack slammed over it and left it in the dark.

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: animal-instinct.jpg
Posted in 99-word fiction, dark fiction, Flash Fiction, freedom, hope, Short Fiction Stories, Writing and tagged , , , , ,
21 Jan 2025
1 Comment

99-word fiction: Hunted

The trees stand black and skeletal and the only sounds are the dripping branches and my heart hammering in my chest. My breath leaves a fog as my lungs seek oxygen in the chill air. I rest my head on a damp, moss-covered tree trunk and try to cool my brain but my options are narrowing.

I’ve been running for hours. Down the hill the distant voices are getting louder, filling my ears with the sounds of fear and hate. I can’t go forward and I can’t go back.

I’m a hunted man. And now they’ve released the dogs.

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: hunted.jpeg
Posted in 99-word fiction, 99-words, dark fiction, fear, Flash Fiction, Suspense, Writing and tagged , , , ,
18 Jan 2025
4 Comments

99-word fiction: The stranger – part II

Following last week’s story, someone (I’ll mention no names but she’s called Sharon…) asked me what happened next. I went to find out…

The stranger stood at the bar, his coat tight around him. The bell chimed as the door opened. He turned.

A woman entered. Her wet hat and coat shone in the light and steam soon rose from them. At the bar she ordered vodka. She turned to the stranger then nodded to a small table in the dark corner and he followed her. They sat.

“I think you’ve something for me,” she said.

The stranger shook his head and smiled. Frowning, she opened her coat enough so he could see the gun.

“You’ve ten seconds to change your mind.”

Posted in 99-word fiction, 99-words, dark fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Fiction Stories, Writing and tagged , , , , , , ,
15 Jan 2025
5 Comments

99-word fiction – Cannibal

I first noticed her tattoo; it was beautiful, a waterfall of colour. She saw me looking and held up her empty glass, waving it at me.  I bought her a drink.

“I love your tattoo.”

She smiled.

Beer followed beer then whisky followed the beer. I must have charmed her; we finished the evening at my place. That was three months ago, and we’re still here.

The tattoo is beautiful. I sit looking at its waterfall of colour and touch it, delicately. Her skin is cold to the touch. It’s the only part of her left in the freezer.

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: cannibal.jpg
Posted in 99-word fiction, 99-words, dark fiction, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Horror, murder, Psychological Fiction, Short Fiction Stories, Writing and tagged , , , , ,
14 Jan 2025

99-word fiction – Dying for a drink

I dragged my feet over the outskirts of a dusty, run-down town. Silence, total and desolate, greeted me and my fear went before me like my shadow. I would have called out but my lips were cracked and my throat was dry. My tongue felt like leather. I fell and crawled towards the town square. No one stepped out to help me, nor did any curtain twitch.  There was a water pump in the square. I looked around. I was alone. I winced as the metal pump screeched. I had to drink.

Then I heard the first shuffling footsteps.

The current image has no alternative text. The file name is: dying-for-a-drink.jpg
Posted in 99-word fiction, 99-words, atmospheric writing, dark fiction, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Short Fiction Stories, Writing and tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
13 Jan 2025
2 Comments

99-word fiction – Moonlight

The full moon lit the winter sky, its cold light streamed through the small window high above the man’s head, and illuminated the white walls which turned the night to day, and glinted off the chrome taps on the steel basin. Even his tin cup of water shone with a small square of light. The man couldn’t sleep, his back felt every lump under the thin mattress. He pulled the blanket around his cold body.

He had once counted the passing of the full moon but had long ago accepted he would never walk free in the moonlight again.

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Posted in 99-word fiction, 99-words, dark fiction, Fiction, Flash Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Short Fiction Stories, Writing and tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

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