Small Packages
A Microfiction
“How about this one?” Peter asked, gesturing to a white bookshelf. They’d been in this furniture store for almost an hour and he was itching to escape the maze of room displays under the fluorescent lights.
Ingrid gave the shelf an appraising look. “Looks too tall again. Check it.”
Peter dug out the tape measure from his pocket for what had to be the seventh time. He crouched and then drew the tape to the top of the shelf. “Thirty-six inches.”
“See, I was right. Too tall.”
“Are you sure it won’t work?”
“It’s a converted attic, Peter. There’s not exactly any wiggle room when it comes to where an angled ceiling starts and the wall ends.”
Peter sighed. He knew she was right. “What about that one?” He pointed to the next display that contained a walnut shelf that had to be short enough.
“No way,” Ingrid declared. “Did you miss the memo, Peter? Dark woods are not in style anymore.”
“But it’s a nursery, Ingrid. A baby doesn’t know what wood is in style.”
Ingrid shook her head. “The baby might not, but I do. No dark wood.”
“Okay,” Peter said dejectedly. Then he raised his finger, “But what if I paint it for you?”
Ingrid tilted her head and narrowed her eyes.
“You’re right, you didn’t marry a handyman.” He stood and placed an affectionate hand on Ingrid's bulging belly. Leaning forward, he planted a kiss on her forehead. Then he sighed, “Alright, let’s keep looking.”
Author’s Note: This was written for the second round of the 2024 NYC Midnight 250 Word Microfiction Challenge. My assignment included the following: Genre - Romantic Comedy, Action - Measuring height, Word - Memo
The feedback I received for this one was very positive, but unfortunately it didn’t make the cut to get me to the final round. Regardless, I think it ended up being a great piece to end my NYC Midnight endeavors with.
Another recently published flash fiction that might strike your fancy linked below:
About the Creator
D.K. Shepard
Character Crafter, Witty Banter Enthusiast, World Builder, Unpublished novelist...for now
Fantasy is where I thrive, but I like to experiment with genres for my short stories. Currently employed as a teacher in Louisville.
Keep reading
More stories from D.K. Shepard and writers in Fiction and other communities.
A Family Affair
It was another dreary day of drizzle, but Thomas Milford didn’t mind. He slogged through the final few yards of mud to the big house’s kitchen door. After giving the knocker a few good clangs he glanced out at the green fields of the estate. He could just make out the shape of the farmhouse that he and his brothers called home.
By D.K. Shepard10 months ago in Fiction
Gravitational Pull and the Moon
"That's an amazingly astute observation. I couldn't have said it better myself." "Yeah, but like — just because I can reach that conclusion logically doesn’t mean I can feel it. You know? Like my emotions are on the other side of the planet from me. No, they're on the fucking moon, and I'm here, and my logic means nothing at all because I can't get myself to feel what I know, and there's no oxygen where my emotions live, and I'm suffocating."
By Mallory Rose2 days ago in Fiction
Comments (15)
Excellent story using the prompts… I was hoping they’d find something… guess baby’s clothes go in a cardboard box like the good old days!🤣
This is a really clever use of the prompts and a cute little story. It's a shame it didn't make the final round!
Lovely micro, DK! By the by, my wife and I love walnut wood! Other dark woods like cherry and mahogany are lovely as well.😆
Will they ever find what they’re looking for? Cute story! I liked this a lot! ♥️
A well-wrought slice-of-life!
I'm so sorry it didn't make to the final round. I wonder how long more Ingrid is gonna keep Peter in there, lol. Loved your story!
This was excellent - I can’t believe how much we feel for and know about the characters in so few words. Well done.
Great job on this micro, D.K.! I love how we get a clear sense of both Peter and Ingrid in such a short and sweet interaction. Regardless of whether or not you advanced to the final round, it is wonderful writing! Congrats on making it so far in the challenge!
We all feel like Peter sometimes! Great entry. This was very cozy. Admittedly I expected a dark turn (I glossed over the prompt and went right into the story). I think I need to get into some happier works lol
aww how sweet. Poor Peter, though. He's never getting outta that furniture store. lol
Love how realistic this feels DK!! Great work and sorry you didn't advance, it was well written!!
Aww, this was warm, witty, and heartfelt, DK!
You did a fine job with the prompts and opened up a world that many expecting parents share. Peter was ready to get out of there and you nailed the difference between genders when it comes to style. I'm also not very picky when it comes to that kind of stuff. Just make sure the measurements are right and buy it, lol.
Dk - Not a "Handyman" ~ A well known 'Klutz' ~ Jk
This was splendid. It was so realistic. I felt for the guy a bit though, as Ingrid seems a bit high maintenance, or has very set ideas about what she wants, but that last little paragraph beautifully summed up why they are together. Such a great read, DK. Always find your fiction inspiring. You get people.