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Time of Day, by Ian Willey

14/3/2025

 
Editor's Choice
Lisa sits alone at the end of the bar.

“Excuse me,” says a man. “Do you know the time?”

Lisa sighs. “It’s 11:20,” she says.

“You don’t remember me,” says the man, “but we went to the same school. Mark. You wouldn't give me the time of day then, but you did now. Thanks.”

“Mark? Ah, right. What’ve you been up to?”

“Oh, I worked in finance. Managed to retire early and I’m about to leave for a round-the-world trip. You?”

Lisa snorts. “Divorced. Unemployed. Deep in debt. Have a seat.”

“Sorry, have to go. But thanks for your time.”
Christa Loughrey
14/3/2025 07:15:19 am

Poor Mark. Successful in so many ways, but still bitter after all that time. Old sins do indeed cast long shadows. Congratulations on winning the editor's choice, Ian.

Thurston Hurt
14/3/2025 07:58:54 am

Congratulations on this great story and character study plus the editor award. Well done mate, a joyful read

Dee Lorraine
14/3/2025 12:59:33 pm

A brilliant story. Congratulations, Ian.

Larry Keeton
14/3/2025 02:03:30 pm

Congratulations, Ian. I chuckled as I imagine Mark strolling out the door to his trophy wife.

Jim Bartlett link
14/3/2025 02:54:42 pm

I loved the story - a new twist on an old turn of phrase!

Jim

Pamela Kennedy
14/3/2025 10:45:16 pm

Interesting how life turns out...nicely done, Ian.

Sue Clayton
15/3/2025 12:50:12 am

His time since school was well spent.

Tom Baldwin
15/3/2025 04:26:45 am

Short, sharp and makes good points. Well done, Ian.

Ian Willey
16/3/2025 09:06:18 am

Thanks, all, for your kind words. I've learned a lot from FFF.

JULIE TURLAND
16/3/2025 04:06:14 pm

Really enjoyed this story and nice ending


Comments are closed.

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