Despite countless weeks spent on coding and design, she’d almost forgotten the outfit.
School notification; dance-hall activated.
Eyes closed, chest tight, time to upload.
Other students uploaded too, filling the dark virtual dance-hall with a chaos of colour. The guests contrasting with timber decor meant for long-lost tuxedos and ballgowns.
She took a moment to escape above the excitement, drifting in a sleek, flight-encoded, wavelength-shifting jumpsuit.
Someone announced her name, startling her as she landed.
Everyone cheered. Friends embraced her.
She’d won best-dressed.
Breathing deep, she ascended again in a shimmer, and soared, feeling free and utterly glorious.
© 2021 Rebecca Glaessner
September 2: Flash Fiction Challenge « Carrot Ranch
In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story to the theme, “not everyone fits a prom dress.” You can take inspiration from Ellis Delaney’s song, the photo, or any spark of imagination. Who doesn’t fit and why? What is the tone? You can set the genre. Go where the prompt leads!
Submissions now closed. Read the full collection here.
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Rebecca Glaessner Author 
Reblogged this on SacredCircleforWomen and commented:
Emergence of a star …. by Rebecca Glaessner
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I do believe we slip pieces of ourselves into our work unconsciously, I could shimmer virtually but would seriously struggle despite being a Leo … with the spotlight.
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I can relate, though am a Piscean instead, I think the introversion comes with the territory there. I agree, I’ve noticed every piece must have something of the writer in order to give it that depth of believablility. One of my favourite writing teachers, Holly Lisle, says that our characters are ourselves as if we were in that same situation, with all the same emotions, goals, backstory, challenges etc. I’m seeing this more and more as I write from various POV’s each week. Thanks for stopping by Ellen!
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And it still seemed stressful.
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Social anxiety is a challenge, I have trouble imaging characters without it, but I like the tension it adds. Fears to be overcome.
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What a cool scene. You’ve set a coded and designed stage and let your character “shimmer.”
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Thanks Charli! Virtual worlds are so much fun to explore. Limitless potential at the click of a button.
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The taste of Glory ❤️ Loved this, drafted it beautifully like the layers of beautiful prom dress.
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Thank you Simon 😊 I’ve never been comfortable with the spotlight, appearances have been tricky for me to navigate but I’ve found a glorious place of my own as I’ve grown, a place that comes with exploration of our deeply unique human selves, and wanted to celebrate that here. I’m glad you loved this one!
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❤️👍
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