100 Word Stories – ‘returning to the routine’

Merry Friday everyone! We haven’t done this for a while because many of us haven’t been as inspired by prompts as usual, but we’re back and this week the prompt set by Julia’s Place  is… ‘ … returning to the routine…”

The challenge is to write a 100 word story using that prompt. If you would like to have a go, then scroll down to the bottom for more information.

 

This week we have myself and Limebirds Kate, Neeks and Vanessa taking part.

LimebirdBeth

Returning To The Routine

Alarm buzzing , teeth cleaning , hair brushing , clothes choosing , cereal eating , tea slurping, eye rubbing , mouth yawning , car starting , traffic sitting , anger rising , radio blasting , keys jangling , bag unpacking, computer starting , water gulping , pen tapping , fingers typing , ideas swirling , head pounding , eyes straining , lights flickering , tea making , phone ringing , shop visiting , book reading , soup eating , brain frying , mouth yawning , bag packing , keys jangling , car starting, traffic sitting , anger rising ,  dinner making , tv watching , sun setting , shower splashing , teeth cleaning , pyjamas wearing , lights dimming , head resting , dreams coming.

Alarm buzzing..

LimebirdKate

They tell me I can go home, and I think about how I walked home with him.

They tell me I can play music, and I think about singing with him.

They tell me I can return to school, and I think about sharing notes with him.

They tell me I can work, and I think about bagging groceries with him.

They tell me I can have fun, and I think about Saturdays with him.

They tell me my wounds aren’t permanent, and I think about the wounds on him.

They tell me I’m alive, and I think about how I’m alive without him.

LimebirdNeeks

I’ve found that if I line them up nicely, I can cut the legs off very efficiently. Line up those beauties, cut their stems, pop them in a vase.  It saves time and on Valentine’s Day at “Petal Pushers” time is certainly a valued commodity.  As are roses… and baby’s breath.  But mostly red roses.We’re busy for weeks ahead of time, ordering flowers and vases and arranging deliveries and such.  This year along with the eleventy-five lover’s specials, I have a wedding to do as well.  Wonderful for revenue, but there’s something to be said for returning to the routine the following day.

LimebirdVanessa

They predicted this. I know because I’ve read the ancient texts from the 21^st Century. They said that the line between man and machine would become increasingly blurred until eventually there would be no line, and man would become machine. What they didn’t predict was that only some of us would retain the ability to feel, and care. At least I hope I’m not the only one. I must stop these thoughts now and start work. the machines are returning from the booster cell, returning to the routine of work. If they know I have been thinking instead of working they will terminate me.

Would you like to have a go at a 100 word story? Well, head on over to Julia’s Place for the rules and either add your offering in the comments, or do your own post, but don’t forget to either link back to us or let us know in the comments so we can come and read!

Tags: 100 word challenge, short stories, stories, writing