Iain Kelly

EASING RESTRICTIONS

Green for Go.

The hustle and bustle. The crowded market.

The anxiety.

Tell yourself they’ve all been vaccinated. Tell yourself the numbers are small.

Faces unmasked. Breathing. Germs. Raw meat. Sweating. Palpitations. Get out.

An open street and space. Relax, everything is normal.

The green signal flashes. Step out onto the road.

The driver doesn’t see their red light.

Blaring horn, loud engine. Make it to the other side.

Get back home. Close the door. Safe space. No danger.

A drink. Water. A couple more Valium.

How many is that today? Can’t remember.

Peaceful slumber. Drift away.

Red. Stop.

Copyright Brenda Cox

Written for Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

For the month of April I am taking part in the A-Z blogging challenge, and am posting about my State Trilogy novels each day, including plots, themes, characters and the writing and publishing process. So if you’ve read the books, or haven’t but might be interested in them, I hope it will be of interest to some of you. All the posts published so far can be found HERE.

Iain Kelly

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76 responses to “EASING RESTRICTIONS”

  1. neilmacdon Avatar
    neilmacdon

    Great use of the colours, Iain

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Neil, was the first thing that jumped out at me.

      Like

      Reply
  2. HappySoul Avatar
    HappySoul

    “Get back home .. safe space .. no danger ..” exactly my thoughts after the hustle bustle

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      We’ll see how much hustle and bustle there is once we get out of lockdown – I won’t be rushing to any crowded places, that’s for sure!

      Like

      Reply
  3. Mason Bushell Avatar
    Mason Bushell

    A fast, furious and colourful tale. Well done, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Mason

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  4. Sadje Avatar
    Sadje

    Real time anxiety.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Anxious times for so many reasons at the moment.

      Like

      Reply
  5. Keith's Ramblings Avatar
    Keith’s Ramblings

    Getting back to normal will take some getting used to!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I’m actually quite relaxed about it, but I have been out and working through it all. For others it will be quite a struggle I’m sure.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  6. Michael Avatar
    Michael

    Just as we are coming out of lockdown, I get locked in a medical ward. No Valium for me, but I would like some…🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Take care Michael, hope you get well.

      Like

      Reply
  7. rochellewisoff Avatar
    rochellewisoff

    Dear Iain,

    The anxiety in this well-structured piece is palpable. Well done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Rochelle

      Like

      Reply
  8. Liz H Avatar
    Liz H

    Some days are like that.
    And then you find your friends were not taking precautions, like quarantining after exposure when dancing to a live band in an enclosed space. And they’re standing right in front of you, eyes wide, mouth open, waving their arms for emphasis.
    Yellow light….

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Yep, everyone has to use their best judgement, but I’ve found quite a few people I’ve previously thought sensible do not share my judgement around issues of a pandemic! Thanks Liz

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  9. Elizabeth Young Avatar
    Elizabeth Young

    I’m breathless after reading this! Know how you feel.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Liz, hopefully it will all settle down as we gradually come out of lockdown, but I won’t be rushing to a market place anytime soon!

      Like

      Reply
  10. earthskyair Avatar
    earthskyair

    Whew! You conveyed such frenetic anxiety, entirely too relatable for so many these days! Well done!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you, much appreciated.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. msjadeli Avatar
    msjadeli

    Life these days is deadly business and you capture the glory/horror of it well, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you. Let’s hope it gets better at some point.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. msjadeli Avatar
        msjadeli

        You’re welcome.

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Nobbinmaug Avatar
    Nobbinmaug

    I think we’re all going to have PTSD for a while even when this is all over.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Yep, I’m not sure we will ever fully get over it.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  13. Alana Mautone Avatar
    Alana Mautone

    It’s going to be a while before I feel comfortable in those kinds of spaces. I was fortunate enough to be able to work from home and have other minimal exposures. This was a wonderful use of the prompt.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you Alana – stay safe!

      Like

      Reply
  14. magickmermaid Avatar
    magickmermaid

    Great story! That’s exactly how I feel almost every time I leave the house! I substitute chocolate for Valium. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Chocolate tastes much better, and probably safer! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  15. GHLearner Avatar
    GHLearner

    You perfectly describe that dazed feeling so many of us have. I hear you on the behaviour of people we think we know…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks so much

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  16. Dora Avatar
    Dora

    Sounds like . . . dare I say it? . . . the new normal in our anxiety-ridden age. And you capture it perfectly. We may just have to all turn into zombies to survive. If that’s survival. Curious to know if the ending is a clue that he/she’s overdosed on valium and is DOA, as it were.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Dora, you were right about the ending, not sure too many picked up on it, but I wanted to hint that there was a definite STOP at the end.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  17. granonine Avatar
    granonine

    Those colors really do pop, don’t they? I enjoyed your very realistic take on the prompt.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Linda

      Like

      Reply
  18. Tannille Avatar
    Tannille

    I liked the use of colour, go-stop. Describes the world’s new norma.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks so much

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  19. draliman Avatar
    draliman

    The mental side effects of not only heavy restrictions, but the easing of them as well.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Yes, a lot of re-adjusting required.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  20. joyroses13 Avatar
    joyroses13

    Described things perfectly!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply
  21. Sandra Avatar
    Sandra

    I don’t think it’s going to be as simple as telling everyone they CAN go out. As a ‘shielder’ I remember my first trip to the supermarket in many months as an unpleasant stressful experience. I was in no hurry to do it again. You captured that uneasiness.

    Like

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Yes, I think the government and business will be keen to get us back out, and may be surprised that many will be cautious and choose not to rush back. Thanks Sandra.

      Like

      Reply
  22. jenne49 Avatar
    jenne49

    What a fabulous piece, Iain. So atmospheric. It describes beautifully the notion of panic and disorientation I experienced when I first saw the prompt. Glad I decided not to go down that route. You’ve done it so well.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Very kind Jenne, thank you so much.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  23. ahtdoucette Avatar
    ahtdoucette

    Unfortunately, this is way too many people’s reality nowadays. I hope the person in the story hasn’t taken too many Valium. If so, I’m afraid there is also too much of that. Well written.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      ‘Too much’ is a good way to describe the modern world, there is too much of everything, and that’s never a good thing.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  24. Susan St.Pierre Avatar
    Susan St.Pierre

    Yikes! Scardy cats lead desperate lives!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      A lot of scary things out there! 😉

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Susan St.Pierre Avatar
        Susan St.Pierre

        Agreed. Reacting in numbing fear just isn’t the better way to greet it if you want a happy life. 😉

        Liked by 1 person

  25. pennygadd51 Avatar
    pennygadd51

    Well crafted story, Iain. Overdosing on Valium wouldn’t be a bad way to go, but what a waste of life! (Your ending was completely clear, btw.) Anxiety disorders can horrid (personal experience), but there are treatments for many people. Hypnotherapy worked wonders for me, for example.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Penny, glad the ending came across. Hope you won’t be too anxious when things start to open up again!

      Like

      Reply
  26. Bernadette Braganza Avatar
    Bernadette Braganza

    Somehow that piece seems so real 🤔. I don’t think I ever want to get out of the house.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I hope it will pass!

      Like

      Reply
  27. Bear Avatar
    Bear

    You built the tension so well here, Lain. Loved it! I was right there with him. It does feel oh so very weird to go out and about these days. Just going to the market is a bit like going on a vacation abroad. It’s interesting to see all the “different” products on the shelves that the stores have never carried before.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It’s funny what becomes a treat now – taking the car to the garage was a recent highlight for me!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  28. Laurie Bell Avatar
    Laurie Bell

    Wow. I certainly understand this feeling of anxiety and stress. The colours really fit nicely into your tale as do the choppy sentences.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Laurie 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  29. plaridel Avatar
    plaridel

    i think it’s getting to the point where most folks are already experiencing pandemic fatigue. it’s really hard to maintain a positive attitude nowadays.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Very hard indeed, we need a bit more hope for the future.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  30. Brenda's Thoughts Avatar
    Brenda’s Thoughts

    Very creative! And, I related to the feelings of anxiety as I’m sure a lot of people will when lockdown is completely over. I will be avoiding crowds as much as possible in the future even.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      I wasn’t a big fan of crowds before the pandemic, so I’ll be steering clear as much as possible! Thanks Brenda

      Like

      Reply
  31. Russell Gayer Avatar
    Russell Gayer

    I loved the hectic pace of this piece and his sense of anxiety.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks Russell

      Like

      Reply
  32. Sascha Darlington Avatar
    Sascha Darlington

    So well done. I felt the panic. We both went with pandemic…sorta.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Sorta. Thanks Sascha.

      Like

      Reply
  33. ceayr Avatar
    ceayr

    Love the staccato style, Iain, it helps build the anxiety to fever pitch.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you CE

      Like

      Reply
  34. theministryofshrawleywalks Avatar
    theministryofshrawleywalks

    Thats intense and probably not too far from the truth, everyone is under staters orders in GB right now. Its going to be a massive clusterfuck (probably) see you in lock down next christmas…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      It is quite amazing how many seem oblivious to what happened before and seem keen to repeat it…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  35. Woman walking Max Avatar
    Woman walking Max

    A beautifully crafted story Iain, clever use of colours, I felt empathy for the narrator.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thanks so much.

      Like

      Reply
  36. subroto Avatar
    subroto

    Clever use of the colours and dare I say the anxiety that comes with our new normal.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Thank you

      Like

      Reply
  37. magarisa Avatar
    magarisa

    Certainly not a relaxing experience!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
      Iain Kelly

      Might be a long time before we can fully relax in a crowd.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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