Sunday Serial: 280 x 70, 67. Office Life, flat white

Introduction

This collection is a collection of seventy stories, each 280 words. They were inspired by the first picture seen on my Twitter feed on a given day.

 

"God, it's dull in here today."  Gerald sighed. It was always dull in the export / import office. He had hoped that Brexit might liven it up a bit but that had been postponed yet again. And today was typical Rainy City - absolutely pouring.

Jolene started rummaging in the waste paper bin.

"What are you doing?" asked Flick.

Jolene tapped her nose. "You'll see." Half an hour and three glue sticks later the office was adorned with colourful paper chains.

Gerald had an idea. "I won't be long," he said.

He pulled his old parker on so he wouldn’t get wet. Yes he was right. One of the stalls on Albert Square was selling some cute little Christmas trees. If Brexit had happened, this lot wouldn't be here.

"I'll get some of those cheap lights from the pound shop on the way home," said Flick when he got back into the office. "And listen to what I've found on my phone." She put it on speaker and clichéd Christmas music started playing.

"What the heck?" It was Reggie Arnold, the boss.

"Just a bit of Christmas spirit, Mr Arnold," said Jolene.

Reggie puffed himself up and Gerald was sure he was going to say "Bah, humbug."

"We've already finished this month's returns," said Flick. "I'm sure a bit if Christmas spirit will get us ahead with December's work. Then there'll be no problem about snow days."

Reggie sighed. "I suppose you might be right." He took a couple of notes out of his pocket and handed them top Gerald. "Go on then. You'd better  get a round of those gingerbread lattes."

Gerald grinned and reached out for his parka.   

About the author

Gill James is published by The Red Telephone, Butterfly and Chapeltown.  

She edits CafeLit and writes for the online community news magazine: Talking About My Generation.

She teaches Creative Writing and has an MA in Writing for Children and PhD in Creative and Critical Writing.    

http://www.gilljameswriter.com  

https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B001KMQRKE

https://www.facebook.com/gilljameswriter

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