2026 February Flash Fiction Challenge: Day 23

For today's prompt, write about power.

(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 power:

Control

“Again.”

He pressed his face into the mat, trying to catch his breath. The pain was almost unbearable—almost. He closed his eyes against the burn of sweat in them.

“Get up.”

Control. He breathed through it. His muscles screamed, but he pushed up onto his knees anyway.

When he opened his eyes, his teacher narrowed hers at him. The scar across her face turned her mouth into a permanent scowl—but it also served as a reminder. She pushed him because she didn’t want him to be surprised. She didn’t want him to be outmaneuvered. She wanted him to be faster, stronger, better than she ever was.

Control. He breathed. He pushed himself to his feet. He spit blood onto the floor, wiped his face.

“Again,” he growled.

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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.