When I worked on radio in the south of Spain I presented and recorded four series of Authors in the Sun showcasing local writers and their short stories. I ran a series here on the blog in 2017 which was much enjoyed and showed off the skills of some amazing writers.
I would love to share your short stories here too this summer and details of how you can participate is at the end of the post.
The Millennial by John W. Howell
He sits at the counter eating what passes for oatmeal with an eye on his iPhone sitting next to the coffee cup. She said this was the day to talk, and the damn phone always rings twice and then to voicemail. He took it into the Apple Store, and they said they found nothing wrong. So today, he’s not taking chances. He will see the bright light blinking when the call comes in. One thing he learned if calls from her go to voicemail, she hangs up without a word. Calls back are not answered. It’s almost like she wants to punish whoever doesn’t answer their phone.
“More coffee?”
The words hit him like an open palm to the top of his head.
“U-uh, no, I’m okay.”
“Check?”
“Yeah, sure.”
He realizes he is staring at the phone with his thoughts a million miles away. This crowded diner might as well have been a rock out in the desert for all he knew about his surroundings. Yet, the words from the server behind the counter brought him back. The damn call, he thinks. Why won’t she just go ahead and place the same call?
“Here you go, sir. you can pay me or at the register upfront.”
“You can take it. Here’s a ten.”
“Yes, sir. You want change?”
He waves his hand. “No. No, go ahead and keep the change.”
“Is everything alright, sir?”
He glances at her. “Yes. I think so. why do you ask.”
“Your check came to three bucks and change. That would make the tip higher than the bill.”
He frowns. “You asked, didn’t you?”
“Well, yeah, but that’s just out of habit and before I saw the check. I’ll get your change.”
“Not necessary. You keep it. I insist.”
She rolls her eyes. “Sure, sir. You’re the boss. Thank you.”
He grabs his phone and walks toward the front of the diner. As he reaches the door, the phone rings. He fumbles for the slide to take the call, and his fingers are move in slow motion. One ring down. His shaking fingers finally get the slide to work and puts the phone to his ear.
“Hello?”
“It’s me.”
“Hi, Chris. Is everything okay?”
“Doin fine. Can you talk?”
“Yes, I’m just leaving a diner. Let me get outside where it’s not so noisy.”
“Make sure no one is around.”
“Okay, I’m in the street. You said you wanted to talk.”
“I need more money, Skip.”
“What are you talking about? Our arrangement was for fifty thousand and you said that would cover everything.”
“Well, you see, Skip, a girl’s gotta live, and I simply underestimated how much living would cost.”
“W-well, we had a deal. Fifty is a lot of money, and I just don’t have any more to spare.”
“Oh, come on, Skip. You and I both know you’re loaded. Besides, I would hate to have anyone find out about our little secret.”
“Is that a threat, Chis?”
“It’s not a threat, Skip. I need more money is all, and I’m getting desperate.”
“How much money?”
“Another twenty-five would work.”
“Not possible.”
“Twenty?”
“Nope.”
“How much then?”
“Nada, zip, zero.”
“You are forcing me into a corner.”
“Oh, I’m sure you’re used to corners.”
“Come on, Dad. Let me have ten.”
“Chris. When I gave you the fifty, you were supposed to make that last the whole school year. Your mom warned me not to give it to you, but I did. So now I suppose you are threatening to tell her that you’re broke. Is that what you meant by anyone finding out?”
“Well, yes.”
“Tell her I don’t care.”
“Dad, you don’t mean that.”
“Okay, I’ll give you ten. Next year is going to be different. Come to the house for dinner, and I’ll have a check.”
“Uh, dad?”
“What, Chris?”
“Could you make it cash?”
©John W. Howell 2021
Thanks to John for sharing one of his unique takes on life and I know he would love your feedback..
About John W. Howell
John began his writing as a full-time occupation after an extensive business career. His specialty is thriller fiction novels, but John also writes poetry and short stories. His first book, My GRL, introduces the exciting adventures of the book’s central character, John J. Cannon. The second Cannon novel, His Revenge, continues the tension. The final book in the trilogy, Our Justice, launched in September 2016 concludes the thriller series. John’s fourth book Circumstances of Childhood, launched in October of 2017 tells a different thriller story of riches to rags, football, Wall Street, brotherly love, redemption, and inspiration with a touch of paranormal to keep you riveted.
The fifth book is a collaboration with the award-winning author, Gwen Plano titled The Contract. Heavenly bodies become concerned about the stability of the Earth and send two of their own to risk eternal salvation in order to save the planet. The Contract achieved number one status in its genre. John’s latest book is titled Eternal Road – The final stop and launched in September 2020. In search of their eternal home, Sam and James discover a threat to human existence. They also encounter the prince of darkness. The question is; can they save humankind and their eternal souls. All books are available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.
John lives in Lakeway, Texas with his wife and their spoiled rescue pets.
Books by John Howell
A recent review for The Contract
An easy read that is part thriller, part love story, a part supernatural. Peter and Teresa are two angels who are sent to earth to thwart an assassination attempt on the president. They assume the identities of Brad, a former Navy SEAL, and Sarah, a woman caught in an abusive marriage.
The action is fast-paced with a cast of characters that keep the reader guessing the identities of those involved in the assassination attempt. Coauthoring a book can’t be an easy task but this was well done so readers aren’t aware of different voices. There were places where the dialogue seemed a bit formal and out of character. Otherwise, an enjoyable book.
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – and on: Amazon UK – Goodreads:John Howell Goodreads – Blog: John W. Howell. com – Twitter – @HowellWave
If you have a fiction short story to share with us then here is what I will need. Please send to sally.cronin@moyhill.com
- A word document with your edited story. A new story or one you have written and published on your blog.
- 1000 to 1500 words.. but if it is slightly shorter or longer that is no problem. It can be any genre except for erotica as I have younger readers.
- If you are an author or blogger who has featured here before I don’t need anything else.
- If you are new to the blog then I will need an Amazon page link, blog or website links,three main social media links and a profile photograph.
I look forward to hearing from you and sharing your writing here… thanks Sally.
Families, families… Great story, John, and I am afraid many people will have experienced very similar events. Thanks for sharing it, Sally!
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Thanks Olga..hugsx
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What a dad! Great story, John, that had me sitting on the edge of my seat in the beginning, and loved the unexpected ending. Thanks for sharing, Sally! xo
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Thanks Lauren.. John does have a way with words…xx
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Sorry I’m late. Great story, John! 🙂
Thanks for sharing, Sally. Hugs 💕🙂
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Thank you, Harmony. 😁
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Never need to apologise Harmony.. just delighted when you have time to visit ..♥
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Great work, John! First off, I didn’t think he was waiting for a phone call from one of his kids. Cleverly done and way to build the suspense. I find it interesting that she never left messages asking for money, but perhaps that’s her M.O. Get him on the phone and then put the screws to him. John’s story is a good reminder that parents aren’t doing their kids any favors when they constantly slip them money.
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Thanks Pete.. great story. The bank of ‘mum and dad’ is booming. I think I asked my father for a rise in pocket money at age 14 and he told me to go out and get a job.. I did and gave my parents 25% of my earnings as rent even if it was not very much to begin with, bought all my own clothes and saved up for the holidays.. Whilst I don’t agree with child labour.. a part time after school and weeked job from an early age teaches you to be very much more money savvy and appreciative.. xxx
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A good example of getting the right start, Sally.
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Well said, Sally.
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xx
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Thank you, Pete. Yes, the beginning was to mislead. The middle was to make you believe the guy was doing something nefarious. Your conclusion is a good one. 😁
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Marvelous as always. Thanks for featuring John. Hugs to you both.
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Thank you, Teagan. Hugs back.
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Thanks Teagan.. have a good week..hugsxx
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Well done, John, and thank you, Sally, for hosting John’s story! Now, I’m hoping John’s story isn’t based on his own experiences as a dad … lol 😉
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Lol.. I doubt that John is that uncanny.. but who knows…thanks Marie.. x
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Hahaha. No, thank heavens. Thank you, Marie.
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hee hee
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Oh boy. Skip is such a softie. He’s going to pay for this in more ways than one. Great story from John. I liked being misled a few times. Very clever. Thanks for sharing, Sally.
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There is a reason they call it The Bank of Mum and Dad! Great story from John.. thanks Diana..hugsx
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I like doing the misleading, Diana. Thanks. 😁
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Job well done.
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😊
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I was imagining all kinds of scenarios. Thanks for sharing, Sally!
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Thank you, Teri. I had hoped there would be a couple of images raised. I’m glad there were. 😁
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Great Teri.. John kept us all on the hook..hugsx
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I love the way that swerved through several possibilities before it settled at the end!
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Thank you, Jemima. I love that term swerved. perfect description
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Me too Jemima..hugsx
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Clever ending, great story from John. 🙂 xx
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Thank you, Debbie. So glad you liked it. 😊
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🙂
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He certainly played us to the end.. hugsx♥
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The best way! 🙂 ❤
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♥
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This poor father, John. Definitely food for thought.
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Yes, he tries to put his foot down but …..Oh well. Thanks, Robbie. 😊
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He’s a soft, just like all fathers of girls tee hee.
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True.Thanks, Robbie. The tee hee tells it all.
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Yes don’t give your number to your kids lol.. hugsx
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A story written by John never disappoints! Thanks for sharing, Sally.
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Very true Jill.. hugsx
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Such a nice thing to say, Jill. Thank you.
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A good one. Should have seen it coming but I didn’t.
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good to hear Darlene.. John caught us all out xxx
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No, you are a perfect reader, Darlene. You should not see it coming if I’m doing my job correctly. 😁
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Wow. She has him wrapped around her little finger. Nicely done, John.
Thanks, Sally.
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Very much so.. great story…thanks Staci..hugsx
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Reminds me of my life. Thanks, Staci.
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I can’t say anything. My dad has a soft spot for me to this day. And I’m far past my college years.
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Ahh…that is lovely Staci.. and enjoy..xxx
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Hahaha. My youngest is 32 and I still think she is ten.
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I didn’t expect that twist! Great story, John 🙂
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Thanks Denise..xx
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Thank you, Denise. I just had to do it.
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🙂
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I love the twists in this one!
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Me too.. thanks Liz..xx
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Thank you, Liz. You know I have to throw onr=e or two in. 😁
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You’re welcome, John. You’re quickly becoming the 21st-century O. Henry.
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Hahaha. Now that is one heck of a compliment. Thanks you so much.
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You’re most welcome, John!
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😁
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What a dad! 😉 I love this ending, John! Thank you for sharing. xx Michael
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I agree Michael…hugsxx
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Thank you, Michael.
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Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thank you, Michael.
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With a great pleasure, John. A great story. xx Michael
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Good one, John! 😎 Sharing…
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Thanks for passing along Bette..♥
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Thank you so much, Bette.
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Reblogged this on Fiction Favorites and commented:
I am at Sally G. Cronin’s place today. She is featuring short stories and graciously allowed me to tell one. A visit to Sally is always special. Head over and check out how you can benefit from the many ways Sally promotes indie authors.
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Thanks for boosting the post John…hugsx
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Always a pleasure, Sally
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Thank you for letting me indulge in some storytelling. Sally. It is lways a pleasure to be here.
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Delighted to share your story John…thanks very much hugs xx
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Much hugs to you as well
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I was on pins and needles waiting for him to get that call! Bravo to John for such a clever tale.
Thanks for sharing, Sally!
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Thanks Mae.. Leave it to John…..hugsxx
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Thank you so much, Mae. I’m glad you liked it. 😁
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Oh, those entitled millenials. 🙂 Great story, John! Thank you for sharing, Sally!
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Thanks Jan.. John is a wonderful storyteller.. hugsxx
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Thank you, Jan. They seemed to be more entitled than any generation.
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Terrific story! Love the ending!
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I did too Kymber.. thanks for commenting..hugsx
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Thank you, Kymber. So glad you enjoyed it.
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Wonderful story, John. I love the tension of waiting for that call.
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As always John has a wonderful way with words..xx
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Thank you, Craig. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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Daughters have a way with their fathers, and this young woman knows her dad well. I didn’t expect the ending at all. Very clever, John, and well written. Thank you for sharing this winner, Sally. 🙂
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I agree Gwen and as always John delivers a great ending…hugs ♥
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Thank you, Gwen. I enjoyed writing it.
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Great story, John! A big thanks to Sally for sharing.
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Thanks Joan.. glad you enjoyed as much as I did..xx
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Thank you, Joan. Sally is the best.
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Thanks John..hugsx
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Love it! xx
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It is good, thanks Alex…hugsx
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Thank you, Alex
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A fine piece by a fine writer and an exceptional person.
Hugs
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Thank you, David
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Agreed on both counts David..xxxhugs xx
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Nice twist at the end!
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Thanks for the compliment, Viv. 😊
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