Breaking The News To A Reluctant Friend

Flash Fiction for 2026. Following your dreams is not always met with encouragement.

"Seriously, you don't mean that." Emily said looking over the rim of her chai latte.

I swallowed. Gathering my courage, I nodded.

She set her cup down hard sloshing tea over the rim. "You would honestly take a year off to go travel?"

"It's not just to travel. It's something I have to do." Before she could say more, I said, "Mom and I talked about following dreams and she helped me plan...."

"But that was for fun. To appease her..." she stopped, looking into the pain that cut through my eyes. "Sorry."

"It wasn't to make her feel better. She wanted me to try something new after all the crap that I've been through over the past couple of years. You're my friend. I hoped you of all people would understand.... I need to do this. Not just because I promised her, but because I need to see if I can make it as a writer and follow my dreams."

"But to take a whole year. To give up teaching... go so far away."

"I need to do this, Emily. It may seem selfish, but if I don't go now I may never follow my dreams."

"I just don't understand why you have to go. Why can't you do it here?"

"I filled out applications to writing programs and I was accepted. The money's been sent. I'm going."

"But you could be back before Christmas..."

I shook my head feeling the sadness that she didn't get it.

"This is my dream..." When she opened her mouth to say more, I shook my head. "I don't need your blessing. I'll still be in touch."

Tears started to flow down her face. I held firm.

I gave her a hug as I said, "Everything will be fine. You'll see."


word count = 298 words.

Notes ▶︎

Written for "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge" 
Prompt: Write a story that includes the line: “You don’t mean that.”
Due January 2, 2026 by 11 pm.