SHUT IN, SHUT OUT
by
Kelvin M. Knight
This time of day was so predictable. The shutters would just be rolling up, or they would just be rolling down. Bars across the world were the same. Maleek called these times his Just Moments.
He’d had enough of these Just Moments. It wasn’t the jet lag, though that didn’t help – it was the emptiness of these moments, how they’d engraved themselves on his life until they’d worn a hole through his soul. This globetrotting would be acceptable if he was a travelling salesman on commission, but he wasn’t. He was a manager, though he wasn’t sure what he was managing anymore.
His own frustration, festering into boredom?
Too tired to consider this question, Maleek lowered his head onto the shiny counter. Reflections from those lights greeted him, too many lights, bright then dim. Dimness which made him yawn. Dimness which made him miss himself.
Whomsoever that was these days.
(150 words)
Message from the What Pegman Saw prompter, Karen Rawson
First a big thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s prompt. It was great seeing familiar faces and meeting new writers. Hope this week’s location proves as inspiring.
This week (01/10/17) Pegman wanders over to the ancient city of Casablanca, Morocco. Looks like this particular location was discovered by Google contributor Raiss Toufik.
I had trouble locating actual streetview in Casablanca, but if you visit the link and hover your Pegman over the map, you’ll find a number of photo spheres to inspire you. I even came across some of the interactive sort that allow you to tour a location.
The rules of the prompt are simple: write a story, 150 words or less. Will you be inspired by the past of a location? Some imagined current drama? Or will you take us to some dystopian futurescape? Your only limits are your imagination.
To enjoy stories inspired by the What Pegman Saw prompt or to submit your own 150-word story, click la’al Blue Froggy.
Ι cоuldn’t refrain fr᧐m commenting. Exceptionally
well written!
LikeLike
Congratulations on describing a boring scene, using the techniques of boredom – monotony, even-paced phrases, the humdrum – and making it interesting! I reckon the bartender will be shaking Maleek’s shoulder soon, and asking him to move on. Actually, it sounds as though Maleek is on the verge of a breakdown…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Traveling alone can get very lonely and depressing – very well painted scene.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice! Hello K. Like this so far.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Mel. That’s heartening, thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great stuff here.
LikeLike
It does sound like a very tiring and soul-destroying life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a wonderfully rendered scene and his melancholy is palpable. Bravo Kelvin!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A great story Kelvin, and your words had a feeling of true exhaustion, and maybe that the writer was a bit tired too !! Hope you’re travelling Ok…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha I’m travelling fine – being driven everywhere by my wife as she teaches judo in schools and needs me to put out the 25 mats for each class following her major operation 6 weeks ago. Hope you’re feeling more like your spritely self now!
LikeLike
I’m Fine Kelvin, just a few too many closest friends funerals lately, and sadly another one this week.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s always sad seeing friends go. Makes us realise how little time there is. Keep blogging Ivor and I’ll keep listening 😉
LikeLike
I like your take on the prompt and first it reminded me as to how exhausting traveling can be – whether for work or even pleasure –
and then bringing us into his familiarity with the store grates rolling up/down – reminds me of some seriously long layovers.
anyhow, could really feel this man’s predicament – 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people