When it is Not Time

diner-roger-bultot
Photo prompt (c) Roger Bultot

When it is Not Time

Words 98

“Time!” The conductor called.

Passengers trickled out the roadside joint.

“Time!” He banged the bus.

Stragglers hurried.

The driver revved the engine.

“Wait! My daughter is in the washroom.”

“The mountain roads are treacherous and it’s getting dark.”

“Please wait just 5 minutes!”

“Take the next bus.”

The bus began rolling.

Protesting, the man exited with his luggage.

The bus roared away showering him with dust.

“Papa! Our bus…”

“The Royal Highnesses. Always late. My rotten kismet.” He alternately cursed them and bemoaned his fate.

Until news came – their bus had fallen into a gorge.

There were no survivors.

 ***

Note: Based on a ‘real’ incident I heard as a child.

Written for the Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words or less. Thanks to Rochelle for hosting the irresistible challenge and Roger Bultot for the photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by the prompt or add your own click here.

Thanks for reading – do let me know your thoughts 🙂

 

 

 

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Dahlia

Email me at mysilverstreaks@gmail.com or tweet me @mysilverstreaks

24 thoughts on “When it is Not Time”

  2. Much like the stories of those who were late for work at the World Trade Center towers on the morning of September 11. You can refer to it as fate or divine intervention. I prefer the later. Good story.

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  7. One of those moments where you start believing in the existence of something beyond you …something which need not be sensed by any of your physical senses to believe in…

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