Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “The door swung open” These four words will be included in the word count.
If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), use the same beginning words and end with the words: "the door swung shut." (also included in the word count)
For those who want an even greater challenge, make your story 200 words EXACTLY!
Without further adieu (and at exactly 200 words long)
I Am Woman. Hear Me Pee.
The door swung open, and Lacey entered a brave new world: the men’s room. For years, she watched men file in and out while she suffered on line for the ladies’ room. She finally had it.
She crept past the lineup of synchronized pissers at the urinals. The lights flickered; intermission was ending. She spotted a row of stalls; her bladder rumbled with excitement. Even the seat was down - a sign from above!
“You can’t be in here!” An old man said, cane pointing. Other men craned their heads, but kept peeing.
“This is the men’s room,” a guy wearing a pink scarf said.
“I…” Lacey’s face reddened. “I’m sorry.”
“Get out!” The old man yelled.
She glanced at the toilet. Her heart ached for the women outside who couldn’t enjoy this embarrassment of riches. Centuries of injustices endured by previous generations flooded her mind.
“No!” She could feel the spirits of Gloria Steinem, Billie Jean King, and Susan B. Anthony surrounding her. “I am going to the bathroom, and if you have a problem with that, then you get out!”
With that, Lacey lifted her head high, marched into that stall, and smiled as the door swung shut.
