2026 February Flash Fiction Challenge: Day 14

HALFWAY THERE!

How are you feeling about your work so far? Even if you haven't been able to write every single day (or maybe your story didn't quite come out how you wanted it to, or you know it has to be longer than a flash fiction story to do it justice), even writing one story is a big accomplishment.

And I hope you're having as much fun as I am!

For today's prompt, write about someone looking in the mirror.

(Note: If your story gets flagged for review, be patient—we will be releasing comments every few hours throughout the weekdays of this challenge. Our system randomly flags comments for review, so just sit tight and wait for us to set it free! If you run into any other issues with posting your story, please just send me an e-mail at mrichard@aimmedia.com with the subject line: Flash Fiction Challenge Commenting Issue.)

Here’s my attempt at a story about someone looking in a mirror:

My Children's Mother

I look my children’s mother in the eyes and ask what she would give for her kids.

My life, she says. Everything. Anything.

Anything? I ask.

Of course.

Would you give them your healing? Your weakness? Your tears on the bad days, your stillness on the good ones? Would you give them gentle hands in the midst of your anger? Honestly when you make mistakes? You would give them your life, but will you give them your living?

A tear drops onto her cheek. The answer is harder, and I see the struggle.

“Mama!” I hear from downstairs.

“Coming!” I yell back.

I wipe my face and click off the bathroom light. My reflection darkens in the mirror, and though I turn quickly, the image stays with me.

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Moriah RichardAuthor

Since obtaining her MFA in fiction, Moriah Richard has worked with over 100 authors to help them achieve their publication dreams. As the managing editor of Writer’s Digest magazine, she spearheads the world-building column Building Better Worlds, a 2023 Eddie & Ozzie Award winner. She also runs the Flash Fiction February Challenge on the WD blog, encouraging writers to pen one microstory a day over the course of the month and share their work with other participants. As a reader, Moriah is most interested in horror, fantasy, and romance, although she will read just about anything with a great hook. Learn more about Moriah's editorial services and writing classes on her personal website.