Your Life is a 250-word story included in Four Buses.
‘Your life’ll be unrecognisable in a few hours,’ the midwife smiled. Kirsty sucked on the mouthpiece, the gas and air made her eyes glassy. Limp stands of hair framed her face and her cheeks were flushed.
‘No it won’t.’ Jez tossed the golfing magazine onto the bed and paced around the room. ‘The baby’ll fit into our lifestyle.’
‘You might find that difficult.’ The midwife read her watch as she took Kirsty’s pulse. ‘Babies don’t come to order. Yours may not sleep, the baby might be a reluctant feeder or plagued by colic.’
‘I doubt it.’ Jez opened the overnight bag which was stuffed with scented candles, massage oil, and world music CDs. He dug to the bottom and pulled out a zip-bag containing nuts. Tucking into the almonds, he realised he’d missed breakfast in the rush and already it was past lunchtime. He made an excuse to slip out of the room, then headed for the canteen.
Kirsty was dozing when he returned so he tiptoed to the armchair. The broadsheet rustled as he folded the pages and she opened her eyes.
‘They’ve given me an epidural to help with the pain,’ she said.
‘You’re doing brilliantly.’ Jez took her hand and traced the lines on her palm with his finger. ‘I’m so proud of you. I love you, darling.’
‘You’ll love me even more when I give you a son.’
‘Indeed,’ said Jez. ‘Only make it quick, there’s a drinks party starting at six.’
the writer is a lonely hunter 
Hah! Hope the little might has a really good set of lungs on him.
Or maybe that should be ‘little mite’?
A babe with a good set of lungs would serve Jez rite!
Hi Gail
Really enjoyed this one.
What is the definition of flash fiction, please?
Cathy xx
I could write an essay on that… but basically it’s up to 1000 words (more usually 500 words in the UK) of fiction that provides a complete story…only distilled.
let’s hope the child isn’t allergic to nuts either! Man, speaking as the main child rearer of twins, your whole life is turned upside down. Despite the midwife’s warnings, he doesn’t know what’s going to hit him!
I’m surprised you have anytime for writing with twins to bring up. Lovely though parenthood is, you’re right, nothing prepares you for the demands.
Oh yes but don’t post too much of this book. It will be a great success. X
I hope it will! Enjoy Greece.
One could hope that once the baby is in his life he will change into being a dad instead of a Prat.
Good point! Thanks for commenting.
My, he’s in for a shock. I’m guessing Jez was too busy to make the ante-natal classes?? Good story.
“Make it quick” – lol, I hope she does, but for her sake rather than his!
He strikes me as being rather selfish!
You’re not wrong there – thanks for commenting.
Oh dear, she needs to sort him out now! He’s a bad boy but you had me smiling ^_^
I’m pleased you saw a lighter side to the story.
This Jez has nooooo idea what’s waiting for him. We’re raising a grandkid because his parents were similarly unprepared. So I could—well, not relate to it so much, as see the reality behind the characters.
Nothing quite prepares one for the rigours of parenthood but putting the child first always helps – not something Jez can do at the minute.
Some people are in too much of a rush! Nicely captured.
Thank you
Loved the details of the rustling broadsheet and the almond snack: they say everything you want to say I think.
I hoped that would work well – thanks for commenting