Mondays Finish the Story – Jan. 5

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Are you ready for Mondays Finish the Story challenge? This is a flash fiction challenge where we provide you with a new photo each week, and the first sentence of a story. Your challenge is to finish the story using 100-150 words, not including the sentence provided.

“Silently as the people watched, the black hawk helicopter lifted into the air.”

Major Hanson took a final headcount. He retrieved all his men. A few were slightly wounded. Physically, they would survive. Mentally, now that was another story.

As the helicopter continued its ascent into the skies, the people below were just as relieved they were gone. Their monthslong presence took a toll on the small, remote mountain side village.

“What is done is done,” said the elder. He turned to his youngest son as they traveled the long dirt road. “The conflict is over; they helped us restore peace. Now we must bring the community back together.”

Flying at an altitude above attack range, Major Hanson replayed the last few weeks in his mind. The stench of dead bodies. The incessant enemy fire. He wondered how a place so small could see such mass devastation. Hopefully, their efforts would help the village recover.

Suddenly, the helicopter’s engine begins to fail.