Red Roses - By Wendy Greeff

Written By: Wendy Greeff

Category: Flash Fiction

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the realm of flash fiction, Wendy Greeff presents "Red Roses," a poignant and intense narrative that captivates with its brevity and depth. As part of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this piece reflects on themes of tension and emotional turmoil. Wendy's work stands out for its ability to convey powerful emotions and imagery in a concise format, demonstrating the strength of flash fiction in exploring complex human experiences.

About the Work

"Red Roses" is a striking piece of flash fiction that delves into the fraught emotional landscape of domestic conflict. The narrative unfolds with palpable tension, using vivid imagery and a minimalist style to evoke a sense of urgency and despair. The story navigates themes of fear, imagined possibilities, and the stark reality of consequences, leaving the reader with a haunting reflection on the cycle of violence and remorse.

Red Roses

Original Submission by Wendy Greeff

RED ROSES

‘I asked you a question, Laura.’

There’s beer on his breath.

It’s worse when there’s beer on his breath.

His fingers tap on the draining board, as deliberate as the ticking clock on the wall above the stove. Unbidden, I think of the revolver in the cutlery drawer.

‘I...I forgot the time,’ I whisper.

Tap. Tap.

Tick, tick.

‘Then I’ll have to make you remember, won’t I?’

His hands reach for the buckle of his belt.

My mind flinches from the imagined blows, from their flame searing across the blue welts already covering my arms. He will go on till I break, till I scream. It is always my screams which snap him back to reality. Then there will be his empty remorse, his contemptible tears; he’ll try to make it up to me as I sit rigidly entangled in the memories of every other time, seething with the despair of my immobility. Later there will even be red roses, and breakable promises that it won’t happen again, followed by the first signs of renewed tension.

The strangest thing is that I don’t actually think I’ll do it. It’s only an idea, a desperate fantasy: a possibility. But it’s not real, it cannot be real. I’m even surprised to find the revolver’s weight in my trembling hand. I’m almost sure I’m just imagining it.

I have to be imagining it.

Something drags at the muscles of his cheeks. ‘Put it down, Laura,’ he croaks.

The shot is the crash of thunder; the roar of an avalanche; the sound of Armageddon.

And I smell the mustardy tang of gunpowder and hot coppery blood as he slumps against the sink, face twitching. There’s an unfurling rose blossoming against the front of his shirt, and I think yes, I knew I’d get red roses.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious event celebrating writers and poets from around the world. This competition invites participants to showcase their literary talents and explore diverse themes through various categories, including poetry, short stories, essays, and flash fiction. It serves as a platform for creative expression and innovative storytelling.

We extend our gratitude to Wendy Greeff for her compelling contribution, "Red Roses," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Wendy's ability to craft a narrative that resonates so deeply is a testament to her skill as a writer. Thank you for sharing your work with us and contributing to the vibrant tapestry of stories and voices celebrated in this competition.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.