Grave Concern
Sunday 1st June, Day/Story #11
I recommend this one first - it's very short!
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When I emerged, blinking in the watery sunshine, my old partner was on the pavement waiting for me. He looked older than he had the night before. Maybe the shitty lighting in my office was more flattering than I thought.
It had rained the night before. The sound was what finally lulled me to sleep in my office chair. The ground was wet with it, and my feet were getting damp. This, plus the kink in my back, made me crankier than he deserved.
"Thought you said you weren't available," I said.
"I'm not. I've... errr... Let's just say I've got somewhere to be. I'm just here to give you some advice."
"Oh? And what's that?" I started walking and he fell into place beside me.
"Two things, really. First of all, don't mention to Gail that this was my idea, okay? She... Let's say she won't be happy about it."
"Okay... And the other thing?"
"She's going through a tough time. Treat her with kid gloves. And tell her you're sorry for her loss."
Shit.
"I'm sorry to hear that." I hate how wooden the platitude sounds coming out of my mouth, but I obey social convention, and keep going. "Was it anyone I know?"
There's silence for a few paces. Oh god, Mickey, don't be crying. I don't have the emotional maturity for that shit. I glance to the side to check.
"Mickey? Mickey?"
He's gone. Again.
Bit rude.
I push open the door of a local cafe and order a coffee I have to count out pennies for. I sip it while I wait for a cab I can't afford.
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About the Creator
L.C. Schäfer
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I'm not a writer! I've just had too much coffee!
Sometimes writes under S.E.Holz
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Comments (7)
The disappearance of without being detected is good, and I liked “order a coffee I have to count out pennies for. I sip it while I wait for a cab I can't afford.” to close. It’s the same self-awareness from before, and it makes them more real.
Great continuation <3
You are so good at creating atmosphere and believable characters. Looking forward to the next instalment. Great stuff.
So he doesn't know that Mickey is the dead one? I'm lost, lol.
I’m with Randy. Definitely my cup of tea. Or coffee.
Lovin' it!
The bit about the partner giving advice adds an interesting layer. Made me wonder what advice could be so important. Also, the part where the narrator has to count pennies for coffee shows a tough situation. Have you ever been in a tight spot like that, where you had to watch every penny? And why do you think the partner was so secretive about the advice?