Dan scans three packs of paracetamol and the self-service check-out flashes red. He knows he’s over the legal limit, but he needs some sleep.
A uniformed girl whips away a pack, presses buttons, then rushes off.
Dan realises what he actually needs is someone to ask him if he’s okay.
Laura Besley is the author of (Un)Natural Elements, 100neHundred, and The Almost Mothers. She is also an editor for Flash Fiction Magazine. Having lived in the Netherlands, Germany and Hong Kong, she now lives in land-locked central England and misses the sea. She tweets at @laurabesley.
Ooph! What a last line!
Thanks, Lesley!
Powerful reminder to s-l-o-w down and what is it that we really need? Thank you.
Thank you. That’s certainly what I was aiming for.
Wow, a slap in the face of modern life. I feel the sting!
Thanks, Kelsey!
Wow! This packs some punch. xx
Thanks, Christine. As often with stories, this one has been with me a while – it just needed to find a way out. xx
What an ending!! Gut punch and so true.
Thanks, Nina. I used to work in a supermarket and some people would rather queue at a checkout than use a self-service one because they just wanted someone to talk to.
Powerful
Thank you!
A very powerful story and a good reminder for everyone to pay attention to others. Great job!
Thank you, Anna!
Don’t we all…..
Congrats Laura, Story of the Week!