Chapter One

Last Call - The Prompt: Write a story inspired by the phrase "last call."

"Last call" can mean different things depending on who's listening. It might be the end of a night, one final opportunity, or the moment someone realizes they're almost out of time.

Write a story inspired by the phrase "last call." You can interpret it however you like. Set it in a bar, an airport, a hospital, a small town, or somewhere entirely unexpected.

Focus on what happens when the clock is running out. Whether your characters seize the moment, hesitate, or let it slip away, let that sense of urgency drive the story.

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Even though the bartender announced last call, I wasn't ready to go home. What would I find there but loneliness, and heartbreak. Just last month my home was filled with joy and love.

They said he drowned. How, no one could explain. They think it was accidental. Was it? They think? No proof. They said there was a beach full of swimmers and no one witnessed what happened.

How can you be on a beach in Mexico with a beach full of swimmers? My friend had to leave earlier, and I said it would just be one more drink. I can't believe I am drinking alcohol at all. I still feel completely sober. I'm not switching to coffee though, or I will be up half the night.

I'm so glad it is Friday night, so I will be able to sleep in. I met my friend there and drove right from work, but I am going to get an Uber home. That is the best. I sure wouldn't want to go to jail tonight. Time to text for a ride.

"Hey there cutie?" Really? Cutie? Are you drunk? I feel as far from cutie as possible. I'm meeting someone and he will be here soon. I have no time for this. "Okay, well be that way. I was just looking for a bit of company before going home." Okay, sorry, I've just had a bad month.

"A bad month? Most people say, a bad day. You have had a bad month?" Yes, it has been a terrible month. "So sorry to have added to your month. But, really, I think you are pretty cute and I haven't had much to drink tonight either."

Well, I still have to work and look appropriate for work. Even though I don't feel like getting out of bed in the morning or really all day. "Did you hear last call?" Yes, and I am getting an Uber pretty soon. That is the man I was referring to.

"If you want to talk sometime, maybe get a meal, here is my business card. Call me anytime, my name is Barry Sargent. They call me Sarge for short." Thank you but you probably won't hear from me. I am thinking I have no interest in dating. My fiancé just died a month ago.

When looking down at his business card it appeared he worked for the police department and was Detective Barry Sargent. Wow. Unbelievable. No wonder Sarge for short.

"Oh, so that is it. I am so sorry. I will go away and not bother you anymore. Please do keep my business card though, and call to just talk if you would like. If I can't talk at the time, I will call you back as soon as I can get away from work."

"I work too, so it wouldn't be during working hours if you work during the day. Well, I just got off work. So many days I work the second shift, the 3-11 shift. I'm just heading home."

"Excuse me Mam, I am your Uber driver. Are you ready to go?" Yes, I will be with you in a minute.

Thank you, Sarge. I'm sorry to have been so short with you before I even knew you. I am really not feeling very cute right now. I thought my last call was a month ago for me, when my fiancé died. I thought of ending it all. You have helped me to feel a bit better and I appreciate that, Sarge!