Daily Flash Fiction Challenge


If you had told Barry Jones that a flower shop, a silver jumpsuit, and one poorly timed quote would lead to a police standoff involving a flock of flamingos, he would’ve laughed. But that was before Tuesday.


It started innocently enough. Barry, a semi-retired magician, was hired to perform at Petals & Proposals, a romantic flower shop that doubled as a venue for surprise engagements. Dressed in his finest—an ill-fitting silver jumpsuit from his Vegas days—he prepared to pull a rabbit from a hat and maybe a rose from his sleeve.


Unfortunately, Barry grabbed the wrong hat. Instead of the rabbit, he pulled out his emotional-support ferret, Todd, who immediately bolted and dove into a three-tiered wedding cake display, sending frosting and tulips flying.



In the chaos, Barry tripped over a flower cart and hit the big red button on the automatic flamingo release—yes, the store had live flamingos for “ambience.”



Thirty pink birds launched into the air like feathered chaos missiles.



Trying to regain control, Barry shouted the only quote he could remember under pressure:



“With great power comes great flamingo responsibility!”



It did not help.


The birds pooped on an engagement ring, pecked at a groom’s toupee, and stole a bouquet.



The police arrived minutes later. Barry, covered in frosting and feathers, raised his hands and asked, “Anyone got a net?”



When interviewed by reporters, Barry simply said, “You haven’t lived until you’ve been chased by a flamingo while wearing silver spandex.”



Petals & Proposals has since rebranded. Todd the ferret has a TikTok now.


And Barry? He performs children’s parties—strictly rabbit-free.