A Cautionary Covid-19 Tale

On the way back from town I had an idea for a short story, which may not be to everyone's taste but every story needs an idea, and this is just a straight draft , no editing , just coming out of my mind. Whether that is the best way to write or it is acceptable is up to you the reader.

So a black humoured short story (probably influenced by Roald Dahl) which I read a lot of and enjoyed his sometimes twisted take on stories and my children loved Roald Dahl stories , books and films. He didn’t just write for children; a lot of his stories were very adult themed , but he had a very broad sweep to his canvas.

This story is quite short but that is perfect for a lot of readers, as it can be read fairly quickly but hopefully it stimulates the imagination and sets people's minds going about what happened. It was influenced by a local takeaway which has a small area where you can sit and collect your order but they limit the occupancy to one person , and that is the thought that stimulated my writing.

COVID 19 has imposed lots of restrictions on what we can do , in order to protect us from this extremely contagious virus. We need to look after ourselves but also protect others , especially those who may be vulnerable, however this was just the inspiration for this piece and it does show that you can take inspiration from anything if you are that way inclined. My mind is often influenced by the most mundane or unusual things but it is great to grab and process everything you can.

All my posts these days have an accompanying video, I think "Free" by VAST is sort of suitable.

A Cautionary Covid-19 Tale

The takeaway had a sign in the window (which was fully covered in advertisements and the takeaway menu) , "only one customer in the shop at any one time, wait til the ENTER sign lights". The ENTER sign was lit so he opened the door, went in and checked the menu on the wall.

After perusing the menu he placed his order and pulled out his card.

"Cash Only , we don't take cards, there is a cash machine next door"

He checked his wallet and had enough to pay for his meal, so handed over the notes and took the change.

"Thanks it'll be about twenty minutes, are you OK waiting"

"Yeah , no problem"

There were a few magazines on a small table in the seating area, mostly supermarket periodicals advertising food and meals to make, but he decided to see what was happening on his phone, the internet and news sites held a little more interest than the magazines.

He heard a noise but didn't take any notice, the BBC site had an article on Liverpool's lifting of the Premiership , and that now had all his attention.

The person who had served him had disappeared in the back, presumably getting his order together.

There were some more noises, like something scurrying on the floor and behind the seating .

"Maybe it's the heating"

His phone had his attention.

Then there was a bite on his ankle, it felt like a bite , he grabbed his ankle (he had come into the shop wearing a T-shirt , tracksuit bottoms and slippers , nothing else...

There was blood on his hands .

"What the .... "

He didn't finish the sentence .........

The server came back behind the counter, with the owner and looked at what was left of their customer.

"Are they all back in the box?"

"Yes"

"Well that looks like enough mince to keep us going for the next fortnight......."