Ashtray

"The forecast calls for another blizzard, and mamma's all out of cigarettes!"

A young boy and his alcoholic mother are riding out a severe snowstorm until the cable goes out and she quickly finds a new focus: her dwindling carton of cigarettes. Despite the boy's attempts to reason with her, she unleashes her rage in traumatic ways. This micro-story is inspired by true events.

*Placed in the top 40% of 2024 Winter Twist in The Tale: 500 Words