Jack’s a nimble lad, head in the clouds, quick with a story of why This went unfinished, and That was never started. He’s a good boy, though, quick to cheer the cheerless, and help the weak haul water.
‘Twas just him and his mum, since Da disappeared. Some say Da danced himself into the Tanglewood, chasing gold, hanging onto the coattails of the Green Man himself.
Mum was a practical woman, gave all to raise and feed her boy. She didn’t believe in magic.
When Jack traded Bessie for beans, she broke down, crying.
And then he left, too.
© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2021)
Carrot Ranch Prompt (04/29/2021): In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story using the phrase, “hit the road, Jack.” You can interpret the phrase any way you like — road trip, goodbye, or story. Go where the prompt leads!
Valley of the Trolls 
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Beautiful reimagining of an old tale. Jack’s mother is long-suffering, though.
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She’ll get her reward eventually, tho’, cuz Jack’s a good lad…
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Love it. Nursery rhymes and fairy tales are good fodder for flash fiction. I’ve been known to harvest them myself. 🙂
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Loving this. That nursery rhyme tangled in with a fairy tale. Your story is lovely but your word choice sent it to a higher plane. Blooming Wow!
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Thank you so much, Ellen!
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well earned i think.
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I like this retell with the focus on mum.
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Good thing he’s basically a good boy.
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But but… he came back with a golden harp, right?
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That and so much more! Maybe makes her believe in magic, a little?
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