Flash Fiction

This week’s challenge from https://flashfictionforaspiringwriters.wordpress.com is to write 150/175 words using this photo prompt.

“I don’t flippin believe it.” Shirley throws her empty can of lemonade onto the pile of rubbish in the corner of her lounge. She takes a long drag of her cigarette and exhales loudly. “It’s only 9.30_flippin_am and they’ve started a flippin tennis match already.”

Shirley had been outraged when the management proposed a tennis court to replace their plush green lawn, but few residents were willing to listen to a dotty old woman’s campaign.

William loved tennis. As his arthritic legs slowly totter towards the balcony, he glances at Shirley with the same adoration he possessed since the moment they first met, but the years had not been kind to Shirley’s temperament or her hygiene and she would chat to herself all day long, never expecting a reply.

“There is only one thing that will tear my William away from those flippin tennis balls,” Shirley says wryly as she fixed her dress and stockings. “Come on William, sugar plum,” she rattles his collar and lead, “It’s time for your walkies.”

173 words