Flash Fiction # 23 - Leaf-Laden Labyrinth
- Jacob RD Johnson
- Nov 8, 2025
- 2 min read
Picture Prompt
300-word Flash Fiction
Post # 23
Week Ending: 11/14/2025
Genre: Romantasy
Title: Leaf-Laden Labyrinth
Ramona reached the immaculately manicured hedges; a maze of green, leafy Lego blocks. With a keen eye, she noticed a pink bead looped over one of the branches.
She knew it was for her. It was her favorite color after all.
Ramona plucked it from the twig and placed it in the pocket of her baby blue and floral sundress. She turned right in search of another bead. Alas, a dead end.
She turned back the other way. Before long she happened upon another bright bead and felt a jump in her heartbeat. Pocketing the new one, she entered the next phase.
Continuing in this pattern, collecting beads, she accepted the challenge. With every twist, every turn, Ramona’s insides did the same—all aflutter.
She knew the center of the leaf-laden labyrinth must be near and peered around the edge, anticipating Landryl, her love. But he was not there. At the very center was a table, which held a black, tarnished bracelet. She spun in place, sure Landryl would be near to surprise her. No such luck.
Her butterflies became bats. Joyous jitters, now apprehension. Not knowing what else to do, she donned the bracelet. An unfamiliar sensation ran through her hand, which began to disintegrate.
Ramona tried to remove the bracelet, but it, too, was gone. The evaporation spread up her arm and continued throughout her body. Somebody had fooled her and this was the end.
Then, the feeling reversed. She could feel herself materializing again. The bracelet was the last to reform. It reappeared, not tarnished, but with a glamorous, golden shine. Shock wearing off, Ramona pulled her gaze from the jewelry to find Landryl smiling before her.
His arms embraced her, lifted her from her feet, and he planted a glorious kiss upon her, exchanging trepidation for enchantment.
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