Tag: routine
-
THE DISAPPEARED
P for Protection. That’s what he thought anyway, huddled under the El track. Every ten minutes the shudder of the metal stanchion and the clackety roar reminded him he was still alive. Frank from the Pizza place came out and nodded to him. Handed him a coffee and a leftover slice. Their evening routine. ‘Any…
-
OPEN DOOR
It always followed the same pattern. Middle of the night. Panicked phone call. Incoherent story. She always ended up agreeing to go over. This is different. Door wide open. Probably just a neighbour didn’t close it right. Out of habit she checks the mailbox. Empty. Up the stairs, lit by flickering halogen. Along the corridor.…
-
THE SHOW MUST GO ON
The lights go up, the cast take their bow. Silence greets them from the empty auditorium. They keep going because there is nothing else to be done. Night after night, show after show, repeat and repeat. Bereft of enthusiasm they go through the motions, a ghost-like shadow of their former ardour. Delirium set in weeks…
-
THE PERFECT SPOT
It was her perfect spot. She had to be patient, let the sun come round to the right place so that it shined right through the branches. Then ‘click’, she would snap the picture. The light was always just right, no matter what the conditions. She did it everyday for years. It helped her, calmed…
-
ESTABLISHED PROCEDURE
Up at seven on the dot. Hop into the shower, towel dry, throw on my uniform. Pop a slice of bread in the toaster, spoon on some jam (no clean knives again!), browse the morning headlines. Bag packed, ready to leave at eight on the button. Door opens, out I go, along the corridor and…
Iain Kelly 