Comment from BeasPeas

Excellent

Blind dates often lead to marriage. Mine did. I do think kismet
has a lot to do with our choices. A good little story and a
worthy entry into the contest. Marilyn

 Comment Written 29-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 29-Aug-2016

This was my first "flash" contest, and it was kind of fun to race the clock to come up with an idea, execute it, and post something before the deadline.

Thanks for the complimentary review, Marilyn!

Don

Comment from EBC62

Exceptional

I like this twisting little flash of fiction!
I say this with all sincerity and think this poet quite on target with the literal paradox posed by the writing prompt for this contest. Who am I kissing and what's my motivation??
Maybe I show my naiveté or maybe it's a generational thing but "can you actually kiss a stranger?"
Oh yes, you can have a first kiss of pure lust but isn't it unusual for it to be a total stranger?
Haven't you at least explored their mental awareness with a chat... Flirted with their attractiveness to ascertain their interest? Played sly touch to check for response? or just replayed a past love affair? Maybe it's even a totally innocent kiss, like meeting your future in-laws for the first time?
Hence I relate like this author; I'm just not bold enough to "Kiss" a total stranger so hence like the author's piece... a dream??? ( Then I awoke in Peoria)
Cleverly written!

~EBC~

 Comment Written 29-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 30-Aug-2016

Thank you for your thoughtful review, E, and, of course, those six stars!

I gave a little clue to the key factor of the story, before it begins (it works only in the FS format). I doubt that many gave it much thought, except, perhaps, for a subconscious judgment of "rather trite." My descriptive phrase above the title is "A fantastic first kiss," implying that it occurred only in the narrator's mind. (Men and women always have had fantasies of sexual encounters with strangers, whether or not they actually would or do welcome living them out.)

It's always pleasing to hear that someone appreciates your work, but your compliments are especially rewarding. Thanks again!

Comment from Heather Knight

Excellent

Very nice story. I have also written one for this competition. Mine is totally different, but ends with the realization that it was a dream as well. Somebody told me it was a cliche... maybe they were right. Still I like what you have written, good luck.

 Comment Written 29-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 29-Aug-2016

Rats! (Not rats to YOU, MJ - to the coincidence - bad for both entries!) Yes it is a cliche, and so is my whole piece. I think the device worked well in your story, too.
(I just read it.)
Thank you for your generous compliments!

reply by Heather Knight on 29-Aug-2016

Glad you enjoyed my story.

Comment from clsandau

Excellent

Ha!Ha! Very nice ending to your little story. Great dreaming I'm thinking. It read smoothly and an interesting surprise in the end. These quick stories are fun to read. Keep writing. Carol

 Comment Written 28-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 28-Aug-2016

Thank you for letting me know you liked my bedtime story, Carol! It's very rewarding to hear.

Comment from rspoet

Excellent

This is a fine fantasy and entry for the contest
I guess that's what living in Peoria can do to a person
After all, why waste time on a kiss
especially with someone you don't even know
Excellent flash story and matching art work
Well done
Good luck in the contest

 Comment Written 28-Aug-2016

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reply by the author on 28-Aug-2016

It's not easy to get to New York from Peoria - in the real world.
Thanks for your compliments and wishes, RS!