“Family Tradition” — FWG Flash Fiction for 3/22/2025
- Rob Johnson
- Mar 28
- 2 min read
Sometimes the something mundane can hide the most profound.
The prompt is:
FAMILY TRADITION
Amy eyed the sky warily. “Looks like another storm coming. And there’s water in the boat.”
The two friends approached the water’s edge.
“Last night’s rain. Help me bail it out.”
The rowboat listed to one side, making Amy even more nervous.
“Tell me, again, where we’re going.”
Joanie threw the old wooden boat’s bailing bucket to Amy, while she unlashed the oars.
“We’re going to that little island right there.” She pointed to a tree-covered hummock of land poking through the lake surface just offshore. “Trust me, Miss I-want-to-be-an-archaeologist. You want to see what I found there.”
Shrugging, Amy set to work with the bucket.
A few minutes later, Joanie threw the anchor onto the little island and jumped ashore. Without another word, she disappeared into the trees. Amy quickly followed along the trail that Joanie had taken. A few steps brought her to a magically hidden clearing invisible from the shore. There, Joanie stood behind a stone slab several feet long, which rested on two standing stones covered with carved symbols.
“It’s an altar,” Amy whispered.
“That’s right. A very ancient altar.”
Amy stepped forward and ran her hand over the stone surface. “This is blood.”
“That’s correct,” came her grandmother’s voice as eleven other women stepped into the clearing. “Our coven has worshipped here for over a thousand years.”
Amy turned slowly, counting the familiar faces. “There’s only twelve of you. You’re one short.”
“Indeed. Your mother—”
“Died of cancer.” Amy looked at the blood-stained altar. “Right?”
Her grandmother hung her head. “Letting the cancer take her would have wasted her strength and power.” She laid a hand on Amy’s. “She wanted you to have it instead.”
Thinking back, all the lessons her Ma had taught her fell into place. Standing tall, she said, “I accept.”
THE END
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Such a touching piece about family traditions — it really highlights how our past shapes who we are today. Reading this reminded me of how certain processes, like getting important documents or clearances, also tie into our personal stories and responsibilities. I recently came across policeclearances.org , which helps citizens in the Philippines easily secure their police clearance online. It’s amazing how both tradition and technology can simplify our lives in meaningful ways.
That was such a creative read! The way the hidden clearing was described reminded me how sometimes important things are kept out of sight until we find the right path. Just like how many Filipinos are now discovering easier ways to process police clearance Fee via GCash, which was not as simple before. A nice mix of tradition and modern convenience!
Sounds like the perfect setting for a mystery! If you're out exploring remote spots like that island, a Geek Bar vape is lightweight and easy to carry for a quick break.
A few minutes later, Joanie threw the anchor onto the little island and jumped ashore. Without another word, she disappeared into the trees. Amy quickly followed along police clearance the trail that Joanie had taken. A few steps brought her to a magically hidden clearing invisible from the shore. There, Joanie stood behind a stone slab several feet long, which rested on two standing stones covered with carved symbols.