Tiny Windows: A Collection Of Flash Fiction

You Lying, Cheating Snake!

Paul dreamed that a snake, a King Cobra, had climbed onto his bed.

"You are a writer?" the snake asked him as it coiled itself on his chest.

"Yes."

"And you wrote a book called "You Lying, Cheating Snake!" said the snake close to his face.

"That was published ten years ago. Sold just a few copies."

"But I have read it," said the snake. "It's about a man who is a congenital liar and a cheater and a deceiver."

"Did you enjoy it?"

"It was garbage. And you compared the main character to a snake. You said in your book that all snakes are liars and cheaters and deceivers!"

"Y-Yes, I think I did."

"That's not true," said the snake. "Do you even do research? Snakes are one of the most honest creatures in the world. Have you seen a snake cheating on its partner? Excluding your novel, have you read a story or a novel or watched a movie where a snake cheated on its partner? Or scammed other snakes?"

"No, I haven't."

"Exactly," hissed the snake, showing its fangs. "Meanwhile, every day,you read and hear stories about people cheating on their partner, deceiving their fellow men, lying to them, breaking their hearts, destroying their lives. You people are so cruel to each other."

"Well, me and my girlfriend are faithful to each other."

"Hah! That's what you think!" smirked the snake.

The persistent ringing of his cell phone awakened Paul-a friend was calling him.

"I told you so!" his friend immediately said as soon as he answered his phone. " Ava is cheating on you! I saw her entering a motel with another guy!"