THE ANTIDOTE- GABRIEL FANIYAN

Hi, can you spare a minute to vote for The Antidote, Gabriel Faniyan's

submission for the etisalat prize for flash fiction. He is a friend of

mine, a writer with amazing creativity. Take my word for it or see for

yourself.

Here is the link.http://etisalatprize.com/the-antidote/

Thanks much

AFTER THE CUT IS THE SHORT FLASH FICTION.........

The flu was incurable; the Doctors only had a solution to sustain infected people for about ten days. Quarantined, Bala knew that Bantu would attempt a visit but he did not expect to see her the first day.

“Don’t come any closer,” he warned, but his six-year-old friend, princess and heir to the Amatata throne walked on to his side and took his hand. He protested but she patted his forehead with her left hand.

“If I get infected, they will find a cure.” and it seemed like a good idea. He was only seven. The king was mad with rage. He knew his daughter cherished Bala but she had gone too far. Bantu’s selfless gesture inspired the entire kingdom to action. It was one hectic week but the result was astonishing.

Due to the concerted efforts from all and sundry, the doctors were only hours away from a cure. However, for unknown reasons, the princess’ health was deteriorating too quickly. “You know that was crazy,” her father said as he walked towards her. Since the ordeal, they had spoken rarely.

It had been a tough week for her but she knew that it had been tougher for him. He read the expression on her innocent face and could not hold back his tears. “I am so sorry,” He sobbed and without fear, he scooped his daughter in his arm. “I am so proud of you,” he whispered.

She was terribly weak and could only smile in response. “Hang on princess; we will have the cure by morning.”The drug was ready to be administered by daybreak but Bala was first on line. Bantu had died in her sleep.

She did not know, nobody did…she got the flu before Bala.