A micro-story

Blank

I’m blank

The cistern is refilling and it won’t stop. I don’t know how to fix it.

The doorbell sounds like an annoying fly buzzing inside my head. I’ve just realised I can’t get out of the bathroom. The door isn’t locked but I can’t get out. I don’t know why. Maybe the window. No, there isn’t one. So this is it. My demise. Stuck in an escapable bathroom hearing the hiss of water and trying to clean my… excrement. Nice ending.

Did I just hear a knock? If I did, I’m crazier than I realised, and I had realised it. “Come in?”, I whisper, trying not to let my brain laugh at me for talking to myself. As if my brain is separate from me. Which at this moment it is. “Can you let me out please?” I mumble.

“What?” says someone.

Something has happened. I’m clutching my foot in pain. I seem to have slipped in the shower. Don’t remember taking one.

“Do you need any help?”.

“I’ve hurt my foot. I can’t get up”. Don’t come in, dontcomein, dontcomein, I’m naked.

I don’t know why.

Blank.

“Come on, now”.

“I DON’T WANT TO COME OUT!”.

Too late. I’m out, and being reminded that I’m ninety. As if I needed reminding.

Blank.

Now the sun is shining brightly and I’m looking into the eyes of my beloved. I’m aware. I’m grateful for it. I’m scared that the next blank may come soon. So I enjoy the moment.

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Episode 10: Other Countries are Available: New Zealand

New Zealand Podcast Transcript