Typical Workday

Watching as the claw lifted the compact package from the curb, she saw flecks of debris trail behind, finding refuge in her neighbor's yard. I'll hear about this later, she thought as she glanced up at the second story window. He was waving a fist and his lips were clearly forming profanities.
She shrugged and pressed her index finger to the scanning device on the driver's side door. The locks released and she slid into the flourescing seat. She often regretted her choice of custom upholstery, particularly on days like this when it seemed to be mocking her. Before she had a chance to begin the launch sequence, she felt a tingle in her right forearm. She tapped her tongue to the roof of her mouth behind her teeth.
"You're late," resonated the microscopic speakers in her outer ears.
"Good morning to you, too," she shot back, unfazed by the reprimand.
"We're ordering lunch." Josh softened instantly at the sound of her voice. "What are you having, Katy?"
"Just order me Green today."
"Why do you torture yourself? You know I love your curves."
"Whatever. I like the flavor," she lied.
"I'll order you Lime. At least there will be some kick to it."
Katy pinched her nose without saying goodbye. Josh was sweet but she was not willing to jeopardize her current level of authority for a workplace romance.
"Where to, princess?" Jenkins piped up. His timing impeccable as always.
"Work. And cut the sarcasm today or I'll trade you in on a new model."
"After all that time and effort you put into customizing me. Ha! You'll never upgrade."
"I don't know. That new Model Tee 2211 looks pretty sexy," Katy jabbed.
Jenkins' pistons fired simultaneously, erupting in an angry roar. Katy abruptly lurched forward, flung by the backwards acceleration. She giggled. Jenkins was so easy. She could improve on that, but did she want to?


Trifecta Week Eighteen




For our weekday challenge, we return to our regular one-word prompt. Check out the third definition of trail (below), and respond, using the word exactly as it appears, in no less than 33 and no more than 333 words.

We wish you well.

trail verb \ˈtrāl\

1     a:  to hang down so as to drag along or sweep the ground
       b:  to extend over a surface in a loose or straggling manner
       c:  to grow to such length as to droop over toward the ground

2     a:  to walk or proceed draggingly, heavily, or wearily : plod, trudge
       b:  to lag behind : do poorly in relation to others
3:     to move, flow, or extend slowly in thin streams
This week's word is Trail



Comments

  1. It's good to see some easy reading sci fi.

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    1. Thanks. I can't wait to start reading everyone's entries. Two days into Spring Break and my brain is re-mushifying. (Spring Break = no break for mommy.)

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  2. A fun read. I liked the idea of this sort of Smart Car.

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    1. Thanks! I hate keys. I am always losing them. Always.

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  3. "Katy pinched her nose without saying goodbye." Wow, talk about always being connected! Nicely done.

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    1. Yes, I think the real glitch in this concept is the visual aspect. We love our images and videos. But I have some ideas for that as well.

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  4. I love this piece! I love how Jenkins has a wise guy personality. Very good.

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  5. That is quite fun! My kids are currently into The Jetsons, and this rather reminds me of that kind of creativity.

    And hang in there for Spring Break. Have pity on me, though. I've been homeschooling (because I felt I had no better choice) since September. >.<

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    1. I can honestly say, I don't know how you do it.

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  6. This is quite different and wonderful! It's a lot of fun and it really makes you wonder... well... a lot of things. Space, the future, relationships. It's great!

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    1. Thanks! Necessity is the mother of invention. Can you imagine if we didn't have to look for our keys and phone every time we left the house?! :o)

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  7. Thanks for linking up this week. I'm in complete agreement with the poster who said it was nice to see an easy-reading sci-fi piece. Usually, the genre frustrates me with the long list of rules and names I have to commit to memory in order to get through the story. This was light-hearted and completely effective. Nice job! Hope to see you back again soon.

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    1. Thanks! And thanks for the great job all you editors do over there at Trifecta! I don't know how you manage to read and comment on all the entries each week and weekend! You have a great blog.

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  8. you really did a good job of setting up an interesting sci fi world. I liked the contrast of the normalcy of that fussy neighbour always aiming to pick a fight, and the equally normal to her (though nothing like the world as it is today) plug-in to work and conversation with her car.

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