First Campaigner Challenge

First off, I want to say hello to all my new followers from the Campaigns! I'm really looking forward to getting to know everyone!

So, I want to take a shot at this 200 word flash fiction challenge. For those of you out of the loop, here's how it works (copied and pasted from Rach's blog):

Write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title. It can be in any format, including a poem. Begin the story with the words, “The door swung open” These four words will be included in the word count.

If you want to give yourself an added challenge (optional), use the same beginning words and end with the words: "the door swung shut." (also included in the word count)

For those who want an even greater challenge, make your story 200 words EXACTLY!

 Everyone can join in (but only Campaigners are eligible for prizes), so if you want to join in click over HERE for all the info.

Well, here goes...

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ONE MORE STEP

The door swung open. I inhaled sharply at the abrupt movement and craned my head up. My heart trembled at what I saw.

I’d dropped to my knees as soon as I reached the temple, weary from long months of searching. I’d finally found it, the fabled spire of the gods. Home to untold riches. Legend said only those of purest intentions can enter.

Obviously, whoever wrote those legends was an idiot. The door opened for me--and my intentions were about as pure as Ol’ Freda’s, my town’s best known whore.

Beyond the opening, mountains of treasure awaited me, glittering in the dim light from the doorway. Coins and diamond-encrusted chalices. Gemstones as big as my head. Chests overflowing with gold and silver.

Treasure. As far as the eye could see.

My insides hummed. Fingers shook. Sweat beaded at the nape of my neck. I swallowed thickly to dislodge the quivering ball of exhilaration that clogged my throat. It exploded, sending a wave of joy flooding through me. I cheered out loud and clambered to my feet.

It’s all mine!

With excitement bubbling in my veins, I took my first confident step into the spire.

The door swung shut.

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Started with "the door swung open," ended with "the door swung shut," and 200 words exactly, by my count. Whoo! That was fun. A little tricky, but uber fun :)

If you liked it, you could do me the huge favor of clicking HERE and scrolling down the Linky list to "like" my entry! (I'm #258) Thanks!

Oh, and before I go, I want to share this video with you guys. I thought it was pretty epic.

Here's a little background info (copied and pasted from the video description):

500 people holding more than 1,500 (!!!) developed pictures all around Israel, creating a smooth music video within their hands. (Best viewed not on full screen).

HAPPY WRITING, LOVELIES!