The 8:18 To Chicago
Messy Hair Dilemma • Space Settlers
One Minute Wit
Messy Hair Dilemma
Yes, I can see that your hair is messy again.
Well, the way I see it, you have three options:
1.) A buzz cut.
2.) Industrial strength hairspray.
3.) Quit your job as an airboat driver.
50-Word Story
Space Settlers
It took light years to reach our new home.
It was inhabited by bipeds similar to us.
They appeared intelligent.
We wanted to be sure before revealing ourselves.
We watched their cable news and logged onto their social media.
“These humans are nuts.”
“Let’s get out of here.”
We left.
Historical Fiction
The 8:18 To Chicago
- 1893 -
The whistle blew. Steam rose from the boiler as the locomotive chugged away from the station.
A mature woman of obvious wealth and importance begrudgingly took a seat in a shared compartment. Seated across from her was a young woman obviously not of wealth and importance. Her eyes did not meet the wealthy woman’s. They remained focused on the floor.
“Forgive me, dear, if I seem perturbed. I was supposed to have a private compartment, but the incompetence of this railway has forced me to take a shared compartment if I am to make my appointment in Chicago tomorrow. No offense, dear.”
“None took, ma’am.”
“I’ll have none of that. Call me Nannie. What is your name, love?”
“Rebecca.”
“A lovely name. Do you have business in Chicago? Or family?”
“Neither. Umm. I just needed to get away.”
“A holiday. How grand. You must go to the World’s Fair. It is divine. They have electric lights that turn nighttime into day. There are canals and beautiful buildings. Like a taste of Venice at home. And a Ferris Wheel. A marvelous circular ride that elevates you far above the fairgrounds.”
“It sounds wonderful.”
There was a knock on the door. Rebecca’s eyes widened.
Nannie noticed and whispered, “Do you have a ticket?”
“No, ma’am. I’m sorry.”
“Come in,” Nannie said.
The conductor entered.
“Tickets, please.”
“Here is my ticket, but I am afraid I left my daughter’s ticket at home. We left in a rush. Here is enough money to cover the cost.”
“Very well. I will take care of it. Good day.”
Once the conductor had left, Rebecca spoke up.
“Thank you, Nannie. But I’m afraid I don’t have any means to pay you back. The truth is, my Pa drinks a bit too much since Ma passed. And when he does, he gets to beating me. He is sorry afterward, but it scares me. I couldn’t stay any longer. I got on the train, hoping to make it to Chicago and find work.”
“Oh, my sweet Rebecca. I am afraid men are far too often taken by cruelty. But you need not fear him anymore. Nor worry about employment. My husband is Marshall Field, he owns several department stores. They are always in need of a new sales clerk. I will see to it that you are employed as soon as we arrive and arrange for suitable housing.”
Tears welled up in Rebbeca’s eyes. “You are the kindest woman I have ever met. I am forever in your debt.”
Nannie reached across and took Rebbeca’s hands. Tears now slowly falling down both their cheeks.
“You can pay that debt by accompanying me to the fair. Agreed?”
Rebbeca smiled and said, “There is nothing I would rather do.”
The train chugged on toward a new life.
Happy Monday.
Mark
I remember the train story. Still really like it. 😊