I hate my job. The customer is not always right. In fact, the customer is almost never right. You can be damn sure that the customer will be wrong every single time.
And no, I will not give you that sweet deal; it will end up coming out of my commission; if you can’t afford the phone, don’t buy it. And yes, your data plan will still cost $34.95 a month. And no, that does not include the price of your phone, which is extra. And why on earth do you think you can get away with only paying $6.99 for an iPhone 6?
“We’ve had several complaints about you, Diane,” my manager says. “They think you’re rude and unfriendly.”
“I will not entertain stupid questions.”
“I think I’ll let you go for the day. Don’t bother coming in tomorrow.”
So this is how one gets fired, I think to myself as I sit on the bench at the subway station, waiting on my train. I gotta tell ya, I was kind of hoping he would go all Donald Trump on me—one eye squinted, lips half pursed, pointing his finger at me like a pistol. Pow! “You’re fired!”
I fall asleep and find myself transported to an island paradise where the water is as blue as the sky, the sand white as snow, and the plush vegetation a deep green, fertilized by the rich, volcanic soil. I stand on the edge of a cliff, hold my hands above my head, and dive into the clear water.
They found my body on the tracks after the #5 train passed through. I guess I was sleepwalking.
word count . . . let’s just say I went over 😉
—Nortina
This is in response to Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers: write a story in 100-150 words (give or take 25 words) using the provided photo prompt as inspiration.
I was inspired by one of my favorite Twilight Zone episodes: “A Stop at Willoughby”
Click on the froggy icon to read other stories and add your own!
So she had an Anastasia moment and accidentally killed herself?! Wow. I was wondering how you were going to tie in the photo prompt to this humorous and frustrating tale. Wasn’t expecting that ending. Good job!
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Thanks. I was going for that Twilight Zone effect, but a friend of mine told me it reminded her of Anna Karenina. I forgot how often sleep walking to one’s death or jumping in front of a train actually happens in literature & movies lol
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Lol. It does happen, but your ending still surprised me. Seems like you were primed without even realizing it. 😀
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Ahhhh, that wrapped this story up beautifully, I actually didn’t expect it. And the dialogues were perfect, added a humorous touch to the story. 🙂
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great story- I wasn’t expecting that ending!
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Excellent story with a very sad ending – which I wasn’t expecting. Very well written. I love your opening paragraph, which gives us a good view of Diane’s character. 🙂
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My favorite part was the Donald Trump line lol.
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The ending gave me the goosebumps! I certainly wasn’t expecting that. Another fantastic story Nortina.
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Scary that she could kill herself while sleepwalking. :S Great story!
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Excellent story Nortina! It kept my attention and interest the entire time. Such a sad ending, but I love how you told about the wonderful dream before the end. Awesome!
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Thanks. She went out flying. 🙂
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Yes she did – flying through the air (supposedly into water). I love your imagination Nortina, it is awesome! You are a GREAT writer!
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😀
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You write such good stuff! I got chills!
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Thanks! Even though the Twilight Zone is an older show, some episodes still give me chills. I’m glad I’m able to do that in my writing too. 🙂
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You’re too young for the Twilight Zone.
Great story though. Randy
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Haha! One is never too young for the Twilight Zone.
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Deep breath for another day. Good luck.
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