Tag: short story

Life goals

Susan stumbled out of the bar. Her knees buckled, and the stilettos scorched her feet from within.

It was her friend’s dinner party. There was dancing, drinking, doping, groping, and even some smooching. ‘So worthwhile,’ she thought, squinting for her Uber while rubbing her eyes.

A guard approached. As in every movie she’d watched with friends, he was same: tall, dark, and handsome with bald patches and bold muscles. She recognised him—having often past him in the corridors while rushing for her waitressing shift.

“This isn’t your lifestyle. Why—?”

“I’grew up poor, I don’ wanna be poor grown up.”

Knowledge

Daniel had spent days picking at circuits and nights poring over assignments. And now with a job in hand, he swelled with pride.

His engineer dad had taught him how vital an electronics degree was. He couldn’t rely on his childhood hobby of deconstructing circuits; he needed a certified document to make a good career. That way, he could make back the cash he shelled out as fees.

The first day, wanting to impress his boss, Daniel walked in crisp and clean. But he was the one impressed—welcoming him wasn’t a fancy degree holder, but his father’s old apprentice.

Part of the deal

David drudged inside. A long day had grown longer with the traffic jam.

“Honey, I’m home!” He yearned to call out, embracing his love. He was knackered, however, to even open his throat, let alone arms. He walked into the bedroom, wondering if she had slept already.

She wasn’t there. Only his laptop lay on the bed cold and uninviting. It was their date night, and a frown would’ve appeared on her face when he hadn’t.

“I’m sorry, Hon.” He sent a text.

She understood his work, but not why he lived five timezones away for a job he didn’t enjoy.

Meaning

“We need to talk.” Jason was tucking in when Jennifer entered, still in her work clothes. “What’s up?” He sat in rapt attention.

Sighing, she removed her hair band rubbing her stiff neck. “Joe’s a bit peaky.” She turned to him, worried. “Maybe we choose wrong?”

Jason smiled, gesturing her to sit. “He’s getting used to being independent. He’ll be fine.” She wasn’t convinced. “Should we get him something to help adjust?” Jason flashed a crude smile. “Like a quick zip? I’d love that.”

“Jason!” Jennifer exclaimed in horror. “I meant a zipper, Honey. It’s a stress buster, you know.”