Flash Fiction: Crystal

I moved the flawed crystal into the sun streaming through the window. And felt tears sting my eyes. I thought back to when I met Emraude.

It was on a Solitaire gaming site. There were a few excellent players who constantly posted the highest scores. On the message board, Emraude was always helpful and sweet natured.

I had made a big splash myself, posting little stories and happily joking with everyone, many more people posted, and I was learning to play the games better. Emraude was too good to beat. I began to feel jealous.

Emraude had a web site, and I went to check her out. She was gorgeous! And her family was rich! She didn’t have to worry about buying credits with a credit card.

In a fit of pique, I posted some hurtful things, being senselessly mean, and we fought. For more than a week, Emraude didn’t post or play.

One night, there was a post from her sister saying Emraude was terribly sick, again, but wanted to say hello to her friends and let them know she was fighting her stomach cancer. She sent a warm 'hi' to Geminthemoon.

That’s me.

Her real name is Crystal.

Erin Elizabeth Kelly-Moen
© Copyright 5/1/04