The Ordeal

Winner -- 2/13/09

ID: 896794   (Rated: 13+) Daily Flash Fiction Challenge  Enter your story of 300 words or less. Note new starting time! by arakun the twisted raccoon

As Blanche propelled him toward the door, Will asked, “Do we have to do this today?” In the elevator she pushed the button for the thirteenth floor. Bad omen, he thought.

“Will, It will all be over in a second.”

“You don’t understand how I feel about this, Honey.”

“I understand you’re making a mountain out of a molehill. This is for your own good.”

“When someone says “It‘s for your own good’ it’s never about anything pleasant.”

“The sooner we get in there the sooner it will all be over and done with.” They passed through the outer door. The woman at the door gave Blanche a number and told them to have a seat.

Will sat looking around as if plotting escape. It was a while before their number was called. “Come along, Will,” Blanche said impatiently.

Feeling doomed, Will followed his wife to the inner door. How could she treat this as if it were nothing? How can she drag me in here like this? Why doesn’t she understand how I feel about this?

They entered a small room at the end of the hallway. Will’s palms were sweating. He wondered if he looked as pale and close to passing out as he felt.

A young woman entered a moment later. Will tried not to look at what she was carrying in the tray but his eyes were drawn to it. Deep breaths -- don’t faint now.

“Who is first?” the perky young woman asked.

Blanche said, “Will, you go first. Get it over with.” When Will didn’t move Blanche pulled up the sleeve of his T shirt.

The young woman said “Here we go! This won’t hurt a bit. One flu shot -- all done!”


292 words