Adjustment Period, Deconstruction Day

Patricia tuned the transistor radio she'd found to an automated station, holding Dale's hand in hers. Unfortunately, it was no longer attached to Dale.

A mere shell of the man he once was, Dale tried to cheer her with his boyish grin, but only succeeded in dislocating one side of his jaw. Holding his tongue, he tucked it into what was left of his cheek, but it slipped. Keeping an eye out, he popped the other back in.

Silently, they watched the fading glow of the burning city on the horizon. Patricia giggled neurotically, pointing, “Look, Dale! The cat's got your tongue!”

***

Authors Note: This is an episode in a series. If you're confused, or simply for the best experience, please click here to start with the original microfiction story. Ready to move on? For the next episode, click here. You'll find links to subsequent episodes in the notes after each story. Also, as you read these stories, please take an extra minute to read the comments below them. This is the kind of support that Vocal creators give each other.

If you've caught up on the series, I hope you recognized a few tongue-in-cheek references in this episode, and please read on.

Author's (somewhat long) Note Part Deux: First things first. Roy Stevens gets an extra shoutout for his excellent theme song suggestion. (You DID play the video while reading, right?) For the eye-popping and tongue-in-cheek references, I need to thank Mark Gagnon for yet another clever comment.

I've had more fun than I can possibly express while writing this series. It never would have happened if not for the input in comments from my friends and fellow creators. I've credited the person that made the 'punspirational' comment in each of the previous episodes. PLEASE follow the links and read their stories. I'm surrounded by a plethora of creative genius on Vocal, and I'm deeply grateful for the inspiration that brought these stories to life. Thank you all - and I mean each of you that commented. This is OUR series.

I also have to thank my wonderful wife, Pam! Without her patience, grace and sense of humor, I'd be - well, dead or single. She's patiently let me bounce pretty much everything in this series off of her, and hasn't bounced anything off of me, yet!

So, is this the end for our "mixed" couple? I have some ideas bouncing around in my head. On the other hand, I don't want to repeat a good thing 'ad nauseum'. Maybe a new series with the same protagonists? I have a really catchy title in mind.

Let me know your thoughts! And thank you, thank you, thank you!