John White

“Time Traveller” by John White

Submitted to Contest #196

April 28, 2023, I don't know where to start. You asked me to write down my experiences so that I can further your research into time travel. I don't know what I saw or even believe. Perhaps it's some sort of psychotic haze. I've been on my current medication mix for some time and thought I already knew all the side effects, but perhaps I was wrong. Or maybe it's all true. I don't know. Why did you choose me as your 'temporal target"? It is very inconvenient. I'm sure three generations from now, you have heard the whispers of my men...

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“Sum Sola” by John White

Submitted to Contest #195

"Wanted: sidekick for a superhero.  Must own a car, be able to lift 50 pounds, have excellent problem-solving skills, be reliable, punctual, and available to work evenings and weekends.  Discretion is paramount.  Email me at aeneas753@aol.com. I was reading the neighbourhood classifieds when this ad caught my eye.  It's not often that there is an opening for a superhero sidekick.  I met the basic requirements and thought going down this rabbit hole might be fun. I emailed my interest and immediately got a reply.&nb...

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“The Virtue of the Foxtrot” by John White

⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #191

I won complimentary passes for Wednesday afternoon lessons at the Cheek to Cheek dance studio. I never win anything, and at the time, I wished my losing streak had remained intact. The "gala dinner" at the church hall was designed to raise money to preserve a local heritage home - McDougal House. Hattie Headly had donated the passes. Her sister was married to an English dance instructor who was a Canadian champion within some sort of specific category. There are always enough competitions and levels to reward decent talent, even if it is jus...

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“A Niagara Vacation” by John White

Submitted to Contest #189

 It was so terribly cold. Snow was falling, and it was almost dark, when out of the blue, my wife called me at work. "We're going to Niagara Falls for the weekend. I got us an awesome deal!" We had both been working at our first "full-fledged" jobs for a year and had reached that moment after graduation when you suddenly realize you can't make that impact on the world your student enthusiasm once promised. At first, I just sighed. It was the dead of January, and I had already expended all my energy on a week of inconsequential stress....

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“A bottle of Amontillado ” by John White

Submitted to Contest #166

"I quit! Do you hear me? I quit. You win." I was waiting for a response or for the door to open. I shouted out again. "I'm stumped. I can go no further." Still no answer.  I had been in the escape room for just over an hour, or as best as I could gauge. He made me give up my cell phone in the reception room so I couldn't cheat. An old clock on the fireplace mantle ticked with a familiar authority - tik tok, tik tok - but the time never changed. The hands were frozen at 10 o'clock. It was part of a puzzle which I had already solved. Th...

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“Not My Fault” by John White

Submitted to Contest #165

It was all my fault when the police took me into custody. My family doctor could not get hold of me after I left our appointment, and fearing the worst, she called 911. I was driving home after having had lunch with a friend when my phone rang. It was my son."Hi Mom." his voice was hesitant."Hi Nate, what's up." I replied cheerfully."The police are here. They want to talk to you." I could tell he was scared. He was only 13 and shouldn't have had to deal with this alone. Before I could reply to reassure him everything was going to be OK ...

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“First Impression” by John White

Submitted to Contest #165

Where I come from, a good first impression is crucial. My mother always said you only get one chance, so you have to make the most of it. Of course, this demand has doubled in the age of online dating. You now have to make two first impressions: one in your profile and the other in person.  I was so nervous when I first signed up on an online dating site. My wife had passed away 5 years before. My kids had moved out of the house, and I had recently downsized to a bedroom plus den condo. I have never had many friends, especially none t...

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“A Conversation with Death” by John White

Submitted to Contest #163

"So tell me, why are you here? You're quite unexpected." I stood confused. "Who are you?" I asked. "Where am I?" "I'm Death.” He replied, answering both questions at once. He wasn't at all what I expected. He was dressed quite ordinary, if not somewhat anachronistic. He wore a brown tweed sports jacket, faded blue jeans and tan desert boots. He looked more like an English professor than the grim reaper. "Really?" I was skeptical. "Yes." He declared definitively. A smile slipped across my face and I confessed, "I've tried so many ti...

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“The Heir” by John White

Submitted to Contest #161

“The king is dead.” Lucius declared. “Long live the king!” Marcus dropped his gaze, struck with sorrow at the sudden news. King Remus was beloved and renowned for being just and fair.   Lucius continued,  “This day has been planned since the day you were born. We have successfully kept the deception for 16 years. And it has worked.  You’re alive.”  “What deception?” Marcus asked. “You’re the true heir to the throne.  You’re now the king.” He proclaimed, “Long live the king!” “How can that be?” Marcus w...

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“Table One” by John White

I recognized them first.  They didn't see me.   I work as a waterboy at a fancy Chinese food restaurant, complete with white tablecloths and candles on each table.  The food is naturally salty and so keeping water glasses full was my priority. Once they were seated and settled the waitress took their drink orders. As soon as she left I swooped in with glasses in hand and a full jug of iced water. I said my obligatory hello and remained anonymous. They were too busy looking over the menu to take notice of my presence. ...

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