Going Out With a Bang

On By The VoiceIn Flash Fiction, Friday Fictioneers, Humor, Thriller
Copyright -John Nixon
Copyright -John Nixon

Hershel watched as they wheeled away the stretcher carrying his mentor, Brick Longshot, The Human Cannonball.

Mr. Barns, the owner of the circus clapped Herschel on the back.

“Tough break. But now you get your shot at the big time, right?”

Herschel stared.

“Heh, I said ‘shot’. I crack myself up,” said Mr. Barns.

“I can do this” Herschel told himself as he climbed into the cannon that night.

He never discovered who mistakenly overloaded the gunpowder. His first and final landing was in the piano at the end of the big top. It was the performance of a lifetime.

Word Count: 100

[This is my entry into this weeks Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Use the photo prompt to create a short story in 100 words or less.]

~V

41 thoughts on “Going Out With a Bang”

    1. I don’t think his dreams of working in show business ever ended (or even began) like this. If it’s any consolation to Herschel though, the audience LOVED it! (They assumed it was part of the show). 🙂

      Thanks PJ.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  2. Human cannonball may not be the wisest career choice after all, who knew?! Reminds me of an old joke (I think maybe Steven Wright): “Acapulco cliff diving- how do you know you’re good at something like that?”

    Funny portrayal of Mr Barns, especially — I crack myself up, indeed!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. Mr. Barnes shook his head as, for the second night in a row his human cannonball was removed from the Big Top on a stretcher, sheet over his face. “Such a shame,” he said. “Men of his caliber are hard to find.” Sorry, couldn’t help it… Tragically funny story.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  21. Thom Carswell

    I really enjoyed this Chris! So comically tragic. Poor Herschel. I loved Mr Barns. There was no description of his physical appearance but I saw him really clearly because of the way he behaved. Well written.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Speak and Be Heard! (or write and be seen, actually)