Speaking in Community

Fourth Campaign Flash Fiction Challenge

200 words with opening and closing lines (includes the word orange).
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Shadows crept across the wall of the mesa, signaling the end of the heated day. Dulcinea was late, and I had spent the idle afternoon to no avail. What was keeping her?

I edged up the trench side to gain a glimpse of the savannah in the direction she had left two days before. I squinted against the pain of orange sunlight still illuminating the ground beyond the mesa’s shadow.

My meager provisions had been consumed and my water was running low. I would need to leave in the morning, even if Dulcinea didn’t return.

I heard a rustle and a rattle; perhaps my dinner approached. I reached for my bootknife , thinking about sizzling snake meat on an open camp fire. I felt the quick pinch of fangs, like an angry kiss.

Ah, shit. I don’t deserve this. Our adventure had just begun. Our plans were barely set. How would Dulcinea succeed without me at her side?

Funny how breathing goes quiet and the mind wanders. I fell to my knees, unconcerned with the location of the snake. He had done his work. I had few regrets, and couldn’t muster the energy to list the tender mercies. Everything faded.