The Elusive Light Bulb

Picture courtesy ColiN00B@Pixabay.com

Robbie cleared his throat and started speaking tentatively, “It was dark when I woke up, but suddenly, there was a flash, and a light bulb came on.”

Everyone in the room gasped.

Encouraged by their response, Robbie continued, “It hadn’t been there when I’d gone off to sleep, but I wasn’t complaining. I crept towards it, slowly but steadily. But as soon as I took my first step, the bulb started flickering, almost as if it could sense my approach, and I froze.”

Everyone in the room froze.

Robbie took a brief pause to drink some water, and continued, “However, after a few tense, sweaty minutes, it started shining brightly again, and I breathed a silent sigh of relief.”

Everyone in the room breathed a not-so-silent sigh of relief.

Robbie went on, “When I got a bit closer, I was horrified to see it trying to unplug itself, as if it wanted to escape. I quickened my pace, but so did it. The air was thick with tension and anticipation.”

Handkerchiefs had come out in the room by now, wiping brows, and in one particular case, underarms.

Robbie went in for the kill, “I was now just a few steps away from it. But it had almost managed to free itself. I started running now, and took a flying leap. But just as my fingers were about to clutch it, the plug came out, and it was pitch dark again.

And that is why you find me standing today without any bright ideas for this advertising campaign, Boss.”

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Written in response to Fandango’s Flash Fiction Challenge #2

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