Red Rock Hiking

“Are we there yet?” Sandy whined as she trudged along the rocky path. 

Her boyfriend, Troy, rolled his eyes. “I thought you’re a hiking enthusiast. If you can’t manage a five-mile hike, then you’re not a hiker.” Sandy stared at him as sweat flooded down her eyelids. Five miles? Are you kidding? Two miles, that’s a hike. Five miles, that’s torture. “Patient, we’re almost there.”

Gathering all her strength, Sandy climbed onto the rock. What a fraud, she thought. He didn’t write about how he’s nothing but muscles, how he’s a fitness fanatic, how he doesn’t eat anything but protein shakes. Pffts, what a fraud. So many bad thoughts were zooming around Sandy’s head that she didn’t notice Troy had stopped walking. “Now isn’t this a gorgeous view?” He asked, spreading his arms wide.

Sandy nodded with skepticism and walked toward the ledge, slowly breathing in the burning 99-degree heat while taking in the red rock scenery. Hmm, if it’s not so damn hot, I can like this 5-mile hike and this wonderful scenery.

(~175 words)

This story was originally published on January 3, 2017.

Written for Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers, a flash fiction challenge hosted by Priceless Joy from 2015-2019. In this prompt, we are challenged to write a piece between 100 and 150 words (more or less 25 words) using the photo prompt given.