The Last Hurrah

‘Relax will you. It’s just an abandoned warehouse.’

‘Well, it’s giving me the creeps.’

‘We’ll just glance it over and skedaddle. Tomorrow you’ll be a free man.’

‘Uh-huh.’

‘I can’t wait to retire. Lie in. Go fishing. Enjoy life.’

‘You hear that?’

‘What?’

‘Voices. Over there.’

‘Charlie, put the gun away.’

‘Come-on.’

‘Charlie. Take it easy.’

‘One last hurrah, okay.’

‘Look …’

The door flew open, a figure in its frame.

The body slam sent Charlie to the floor.

A shot discharged.

‘What the fuck!’

‘Surprise!’ Harry whispered in Charlie’s ear. ‘You just put a bullet through your retirement cake.’

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

Back from the dead

‘Hello, Tess.’

‘Jake?’

‘Sorry for not calling ahead.’

‘They told me you were dead.’

‘I was released four days ago. I wanted to be the one that told you.’

‘I’ve … I’ve …’

‘They explained.’

‘I … Are you a ghost?’

‘Sometimes it seems that way. Don’t worry, I won’t cause you any problems. We’ll find a way for a retrospective divorce.’

‘Oh god. I …’

‘Mummy! Come and see.’

‘I’ll let you get back to them.’

‘Jesus, Jake. I’m so sorry.’

‘Don’t be.’

‘But …’

‘It was good seeing you again, Tess.’

‘Mummy!’

‘I’m sorry, Jake.’

‘Go. It’s fine.’

 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.

This is life

‘Mum, we’re not doing the marriage and children discussion again.’

‘I just want you to be happy, dear.’

‘And I can’t be unless I have a husband and kids?’

‘Life is about family.’

‘Life is about living, mum. On your own terms. Not for your parents or for anyone else.’

‘Time is ticking on, Cassie. Once it’s too late …’

‘I’m sorry, Dad, but I can’t stay.’

‘Where are you going?’

‘I’m leaving, Mum. I want to enjoy my holiday break.’

‘You didn’t even wait five minutes to ...’

‘Desmond … don’t. We’re your family, Cassie.’

‘And this is life.’

 

 

A drabble is a story of exactly 100 words.