Flash Fiction – Time To Leave, Time To Arrive

Time To Leave, Time To Arrive – by Hugh W. Roberts

“Good afternoon, transport helpline; how may I be of assistance?”

“Is that the transport helpline?”

“It is, yes. How may I be of assistance?”

“I’d like to book some transport, please.”

“For you, or is the transport for somebody else?”

“It’s for me.”

“Have you used us before?”

“Yes.”

“For security purposes, could you provide your password’s first and fourth letters?”

“W and T.”

“And your date, time and place of birth.”

“January fourteenth, Twenty-One-O-Five, St Mark’s Hospital, Cardiff, Wales.”

“Thank you. You are a little young to leave now, although you can book the transport up to twenty years in advance. Are you sure you want to go ahead and book now?”

“Yes.”

“And when would you like your transport to arrive?”

“Within the next hour, please.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

“Let me check if your driver is available. Some chillout music will play to keep you relaxed while we check your driver’s availability. Please hold the line.”

(Several minutes later)

“Good news, your driver is available and will be with you at ten past eight. Please ensure you have the correct payment. We no longer accept American Express.”

“Thank you.”

(Ten past eight.)

“Your driver has arrived. Enjoy your trip, Mr Evans. Thank you for visiting. We hope you enjoyed your stay.”

“Hello, Mr Evans, I’m Mary, your driver. You probably won’t remember me, but I transported you into this world. Mine will have been the first face you saw and the first hands to touch you.”

“Hello, Mary. Pleased to meet you again.”

“My goodness, did you scream when I delivered you into this world. You screamed the hospital down. Already had enough of this place, yes?”

“Yes, they’re destroying this planet. It’s time to move on. Please transport me to my next destination. I hope your hands are warm this time.”

Image of a space age midwife holding a newly delivered baby in her hands inside a spaceship
Time to leave, time to arrive

Written for Esther Chilton’s writing prompt – Transport.

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Photo of a sign with a painted image of a land train on it pointing the direction to the land train.
Signpost to the land train.

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