Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “The door swung open” These four words will be included in the word count.
If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), use the same beginning words and end with the words: "the door swung shut." (also included in the word count)
For those who want an even greater challenge, make your story 200 words EXACTLY!
I had a lot of fun with this one AND implemented each option. I led in with "the door swung open," closed with, "the door swung shut," and made the scene 200 words exactly!
So without further ado, here is my entry:
Step, Step, Step
The door swung open...slowly, creaking...I open my eyes without moving. I wait. And wait. But no one is there. Still, I don’t move. I look for a hand, perhaps attached to a disembodied arm, pushing the door open. But I don’t see one. I mentally shake myself and take a deep breath. This is silly. There must be a draft. I slide my eyes toward the window, squinting slightly through the musty darkness, dust motes floating in the slant of muted amber light coming through the open door. It’s closed. Perhaps from downstairs then.
An intruder? My ears strain to hear anything over the pounding of my heart. What’s that? Steps. Coming from downstairs. The basement, perhaps. Step, step, step. Now coming up the stairwell. Down the hall.
My chest rises and falls more quickly now. Surely the pounding of my heart must give away the fact that I’m awake. The room grows colder and I struggle not to pull the blankets over my head. My breath comes out in chilly puffs. The door creaks open further. A dark shadow hovers, floats towards my bed. I am engulfed with fear as the figure leans over me.
The door swung shut.
