Exceptional The devil's in the details Top Ten in a FLASH by Elizabeth Emerald

When I was 45, I ran races with my then-husband, "Dick" (not his real name but should have been). The top racers in my division paced sub-seven-minute miles. My goal (unachieved) was an eight-and-a-half-minute mile. Above all, I yearned to make the top ten. The 40s division comprised dozens; I'd place mid-range. Given that there was no fudge factory in the vicinity of the race course, I couldn't tempt the numbers to give me a boost. Until that magical day: September 9, 2003. When, after having scanned the posted race results, Dick bounded gleefully to my side and shouted: Congratulations. You finally made top ten. You came in ninth place! I rushed to see for myself. There was my name. Ninth of ... nine. With a finish time of two minutes and (not-so-small) change behind number eight's. Crestfallen, I made my way back to Dick. I'll never forget his smirk, inspired by the success of his prank. I was inspired as well; it was in that very instant that I dubbed him "Dick."     Recognized Author Notes Running Man by Bob one oldreb on FanArtReview.com THANK YOU! FLASHing solo (sans contest) at 175 words.

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