Flash Fiction # 31 - What's Wrong With Me?
- Jacob RD Johnson
- Jan 18
- 2 min read
Picture Prompt:
300-word Flash Fiction
Post # 31
Week Ending: 1/23/2026
Genre: Drama
Title: What's Wrong With Me?
I’m Anna Wilkins, CEO of a successful business I founded and revered by women everywhere. I own vacation homes, luxury cars, yachts, a jet. Yet I find myself wandering the streets in a daze, asking myself outloud, “Why am I so miserable?”
Just then my eyes fall upon a building that intrigues me. I plod my way over and push the door open to reveal a cathedral with high, vaulted ceilings and impressive stone tiling and walls.
To the left is a row of metal pews. In the back of the expanse is an altar, framed by a decorative wooden staircase winding upward, around the corners and walls. It strikes me that nobody’s here, but I feel a presence.
I'm drawn to the altar and I don't know why. When I reach it, an oppression that I can't explain overwhelms me. I drop to my knees at its base and begin to weep. The tears flow steadily as though my eyes are raging stormclouds in a deluge. Every drop that pours from me reveals more emptiness inside and I wail, “What’s wrong with me?!”
The echoes of my cry reverberate back at me in the open chamber.
Though I never heard footsteps, I suddenly feel arms wrap around my shoulders and a soft voice in my ear.
“Happiness doesn't come from what you acquire. Happiness comes from what you give. Give help, give love—and above all—give yourself to God and He will show you true joy.”
The words resonate with me and the understanding of what I must do instantly fills me with purpose. I look around to see the sage offering wisdom, but the room is still empty. I close my eyes once more, I give praise, and thanks, and I know my life will never be the same.
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