Cindernever

‘Tess. Wow, I finally found you.’

‘I suppose I’m now meant to try on some glass slipper?’

‘Metaphorically speaking.’

‘This isn’t Cinderella, Marcus. You lied to me.’

‘I’m …’

‘And I’ve no interest in being a princess; receiving excessive privilege for no reason except marriage to a man who has done nothing to earn his position.’

‘I …’

‘It’s just a fairytale designed to reproduce the position of royalty in society. Why are there no Cindernever stories where the prince gives up everything for love, including dismantling the establishment to create a republic?’

‘Shall I try on a work boot?’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Time to call time

‘Chrissie, what’s with the email?’

‘Hi Ms James. You need a formal letter?’

‘No. I mean, what’s with the resignation? We’ve just promoted you to department head.’

‘And I just got my first Christmas break in five years. I was in the office until midnight before I left and I’ve been asked to work every day I’ve been home. It’s time to call time.’

‘I’m sorry, Chrissie. The client wanted …’

‘And I delivered, but you need to think about your employees, not just the client. I’m sure you’ll find another slave.’

‘Chrissie, that’s not …’

‘Merry Christmas, Ms James.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Off-piste

‘Maggie.’

‘Sarah.’

‘What are you doing here?’

‘Holiday. You?’

‘Work. So, this is a coincident?’

‘It’s a ski resort, I’m here skiing.’

‘So, you didn’t follow me?’

‘Follow you?’

‘I don’t want any trouble, Maggie.’

‘I’m sorry?’

‘You know, about us.’

‘Us?’

‘Yes, about us. I don’t want … you know, the media.’

‘There is no us, Sarah. You ended it just as it started. Remember?’

‘It would still cause a … headache.’

‘Don’t worry, you’re secret’s safe.’

‘Maybe we could get a drink later? A private …’

‘Seriously?’

‘For old time’s sake.’

‘Even if it might create a migraine?’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

One broken thing at a time

‘It would probably by cheaper to tear it down and rebuild. And it would be better built.’

‘Dad! The point is to restore it to its original condition.’

‘What, cold, damp and drafty? There’s a reason these old cottages were abandoned, Janie.’

‘And we’ll making sure this one survives. Except without the cold, damp and drafts.’  

‘So, not quite original condition.’

‘Original with mod-cons, like insulation and underfloor heating.’

‘Well, I’m sure your grandmother would approve.’

‘She’d be delighted I’m going to live here.’

‘She would. But horrified you’ll be living alone.’

‘Let’s fix one broken thing at a time.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.