January 2, 2023, prompt: Write a story about a sabbatical in 99 words (no more, no less). Who needs one or has had one? What kind of tension could a rest create? Where can a break take your story? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
DEATH OF AN ARTIST
“Sabbatical? Are you serious?” She dropped her half-smoked cigarette into her styrofoam cup—the bitter black coffee inside extinguishing its power.
“Get away from work. Go somewhere. Stay home. It doesn’t matter.” Dr. Shelley leaned forward. “Just put the paintbrushes and easels away.”
Jayne puffed angry air out her nostrils.
“I won’t see you again until you do.”
Jayne knew Dr. Shelley was serious. She didn’t mince words. That’s why Jayne liked her, plus, she too was an artist.
She lived.
She understood.
The mental death of an artist was slow and excruciating.
And Jayne’s gravestone was already being written.
Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
Raelyn Pracht 
Great writing! I love how the sensory details of the first paragraph drew me in and the last sentence hit me in the gut.
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Thank you so much! You just made my day!
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Great story! Just like other muscles need to rest, so does the creative muscle.
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Thank You!
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It seems counterintuitive, but the good doc is giving good advice. This is so rich in sensory details, I could see, hear, smell the coffee and cigarette, and it made Jayne and her angst so real.
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thank you so much! Her character became very real to me. I could see her clearly, so thank you for sensing her too!
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