by Andreas Flögel

Although the flamingos were only plastic lawn ornaments, they were Mary’s pride and joy.

During winter, they were kept in storage, not to take damage in the cold.

In spring, they got polished until they glistened in the sun, then carefully planted on the lawn.

Then Mary had a baby. The flamingos were forgotten, and they lost their shine.

Mary left the cradle with the child in the garden, but only for a minute. Returning, she did not see the red spots on the plastic birds.

When she looked into the cradle, her cries were heard all over the street.

Andreas Flögel

Andreas Flögel writes short stories in different genres. You can find his fiction in German magazines and several anthologies.

More about him and his work: www.dr-dings.de