By Lisa Braithwaite
Olivia’s lids drop, heavy from exhaustion. In that single second of repose, her body senses a directional change, shocking her awake. She swerves and barely misses an SUV.
Pure adrenaline recharging her now, she accelerates and grips the wheel, checking the mirror for the black van. It’s been 20 hours since Lebanon, Kansas, and her destination is near.
In the back seat, her baby sister stirs. “Don’t cry,” Olivia whispers. To herself or to the baby, she’s not sure.
Witness Protection didn’t protect her parents. Olivia will not fail to protect Emilia.
A few more miles till they vanish for good.
Very difficult to create a thriller in 101 words, but achieved brilliantly here. The ambiguous ending is perfect.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
Agree fully with Tim’s comment.
Thank you, David!
This is brilliant. Until I read Tim’s comment, I didn’t think the ending was ambiguous, so I’ll keep the ending I crafted in my head!
Thank you, Kalia! Now I want to hear your ending!
I don’t want an ambiguous ending—don’t want that bad thing to happen. But how clever of you!
It’s hard to come up with the rest of the story in 101 words, but you can choose your own ending!
Strong woman. You got this Olivia!
Thank you, Diane!
Well done, Lisa! When every word counts, you’ve chosen wisely and created a compelling story.
Thank you, Teri!
I agree with Tim. A whole movie in 101 words. Great stuff.
I definitely want to know more! This sounds like a perfect prologue to a longer book.
Thank you, Ekta! I haven’t gotten notifications about comments, so apologies for the delayed reply!
Wow, that packs a lot of punch and tension!
Thank you, Genevieve! I haven’t gotten notifications about comments, so apologies for the delayed reply!
All sorts of emotion wrapped in a few words. Thank you!
Thank you, Sandra! I haven’t gotten notifications about comments, so apologies for the delayed reply!
Tension from the word go. Well done. Could easily be the beginning of a novel. (By the way I don’t like prologues)
Thank you, Pamela! I haven’t gotten notifications about comments, so apologies for the delayed reply!
Very thrilling adventure and so much story in so few words! Very exciting and totally hope for their success!
Thank you, Nina! I haven’t gotten notifications about comments, so apologies for the delayed reply!
Thank you, David! I haven’t gotten notifications about comments, so apologies for the delayed reply!
This literally took my breath away. Amazing what you conveyed in so few words. The suspense is unsettling and powerful but I have to believe Olivia and Emilia will be safe!