2026 February Flash Fiction Challenge: Day 18

For today's prompt, write about apprehension.

(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 apprehension:

When Winter Comes

The village held its breath as the trees dropped their auburn coats, littering the ground with the smell of damp mold. Soon, the battle-weary would pass through on their way up the mountain, back to the fortress they called home to winter.

Once many, now just a few. Time crushes everyone under its heel. But not here; not just yet.

The villagers collected offerings, strained their ears for the first clomp of hooves, waiting to welcome home those who kept their way of life sacred, safe.

The, one day, a shout—the first appearing over the hillcrest. Bloodied, but grinning.

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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.