Author’s note: I wrote this piece for a 250-word micro fiction challenge in 2021. These challenges require you to write a piece of fiction, under 250 words, in a prescribed genre and incorporating one word provided by the challenge team.
Genre: romance Word: glove compartment
“You’re my wingman today, ok?”
Kathryn adjusted the air vents in her car, the new waiting room in this pandemic.
Buster looked out the window and yawned.
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
She checked her appearance in the rearview mirror. Routines from a former life, she barely put on makeup or jewelry anymore… she barely left the house anymore. Mostly lackluster trips to the grocery.
But the vet wasn’t just a chore, it was an opportunity to see her. Smart, kind, sexy smile, ocean jasper eyes… her.
Kathryn opened the glove compartment looking for her spare lip gloss.
Dr. Liz knocked at the window. “How’s our little guy doing?”
“Our little guy is happy to see you!” OMG, did I really just say that?! Kathryn cringed on the inside.
Dr. Liz laughed softly, “Well I’m happy to see you both too.”
Us both? Kathryn beamed, hopped out of the car, and got Buster from his seat on the other side.
She shut the door and began to sweat slightly, their arms brushing as she gave the dachshund to the doctor.
She tried to reopen her car door, but it wouldn’t budge. The keys stared at her from the console.
“Everything ok?” Dr. Liz seemed concerned; Buster seemed judgmental.
Kathryn laughed uneasily. When in doubt, blame the dog.
“I think Buster’s foot locked the door.”
Dr. Liz smiled and gave her a wink. “Oh. Well, come inside with us. You’re the last appointment of the day.”
Behind the Scenes
My first entry into the 2021 250-word microfiction challenge (Stumbling Upon Happiness) advanced me to the second round, where I entered The Wingman.
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