Roses are Real and Other Flashes of Fiction

Escape Into Nineteen Moments of Imagination

Roses Are Real and Other Flashes of Fiction by Phyllis McCranie is a vibrant collection of nineteen short stories that effortlessly blend whimsy, heart, and insight. Designed for readers who crave engaging stories but are short on time, this book offers a variety of plots—from playful fantasies like talking roses to moving portrayals of family dynamics and personal discovery.

Each story stands alone yet contributes to a wider tapestry of human experience, making the collection relatable to both young and mature adults. Whether you're looking for a quick burst of imagination or a quiet moment of reflection, these fiction flashes deliver thoughtful storytelling in bite-sized form.

Find your next favorite short story—dive into Roses Are Real and Other Flashes of Fiction today.

Excerpt from the book

Roses Are Real

The spring breeze gently blew the exotic fragrances of the yellow and lavender roses through Andrea’s open office window. It was hard to focus on the report due at the end of the day with such a beautiful day beckoning her to come outside and play in the sunshine. She was so tempted. “Damn the deadline,” she muttered and turned back to the computer.

Working from home for the last couple of years had been nice but sometimes it was hard to focus on the work at hand, especially when she wanted to go piddle around in her gardens. She had been known to cheat and go outside anyway, rationalizing she could catch up on the paperwork after dinner. Of course, she put her cell phone in her pocket on these occasions just in case a client called.

Being single and living alone has its advantages but it also has its downside. She didn’t have the distractions or demands from a housemate, so her schedule was her own. This also meant she had no financial help, so she often had to push herself to make sure her public relations business provided enough to pay the bills and a little extra for fun.

“Okay, where was I,” she looked back at the document she had been typing on. A red rose flashed in the middle of the page. She blinked. “Oh man. I must be hallucinating,” she said aloud. “Must be time for a cup of coffee,” she said as she got up from her office chair.

“No wait! Don’t go!” the rose beckoned her to sit back down. “I need to tell you something.”

Bewildered, Andrea sat down. Roses don’t talk, especially on a computer screen with a marketing proposal on it. I need to see a doctor, she thought.

“Yes, we do. It’s time you listen,” the red rose said. Suddenly, the yellow and lavender roses appeared, dancing all over the screen. “Yes! Please listen!” they sang.

“Whoa! I’m going crazy!” She wanted to run out of the room. “I’ve got to call someone!”

“What is your favorite thing in life, Andrea?” the roses sang in harmony.

“Staying sane! Leave me alone!”

“Besides that, what else?”

She was getting a little scared. “Gardening, I guess, but I don’t have enough time.”

“Yes, you do!” the bright yellow rose exclaimed, grabbing her hands, and pulling her up out of the chair. “Come play with us!” The red and lavender roses joined in. They pulled Andrea out the door to the garden. Holding hands and laughing, they circled all the other roses and flowers around the house. Soon Andrea joined in the frolicking and started singing, “Roses are red, violets are blue. I’m going crazy. How about you?”

Suddenly, she heard her phone ring inside. “Bummer! I’ve got to get that! Stay here. I’ll be right back!” she said to her new rose friends as she ran into the house. “Hi, Mom, oh me, I’m just dancing with the roses. How about you?”

After she caught up with her mother a bit, she ran back outside. It was quiet. “Where are you?” she asked. She looked around and realized the roses were standing beautifully outside her office window just like they always did. She went back inside to her office, sat down at her computer, and looked out the window. The red rose winked at her.