One Brick at a Time

Like hundreds of other hopefuls, I entered the Campaign For Real Fear 500-word short story competition.

Like hundreds of others I didn’t make the final 10. As I have no intention of submitting elsewhere, I’m posting my entry here, to allow you all to point and snigger.

________

One Side of a Conversation with a Crazy on the Train

I’m going to sit by you. Is the train moving soon? Where’s it going? Where are you going? I’m going to Portsmouth. This is my first train of the day. Can I get to Portsmouth on this train? How do you know?

Who do I ask when I get there? Is there a guard on this train? Will he know? I can see another train there, look. I can see your daughter. What time does that train leave? I see her in my head. Do you think that train goes to Portsmouth? Could I walk? When does this train leave? She’s ok, but she won’t be. What platform will I need to get there?

Will the guard know what platform I need? What if he doesn’t know? Will anyone be able to tell me? There’s a car, a big one. She won’t see it. What about that train, there? When does that leave? How do you know?

Here’s the man with the trolley. Will he be able to tell me what platform I need? How do you know? Will he know someone who can? What about the guard? Will he want my ticket? There’s lots of blood. Where are you going? Where’s home? Will it take you long to get there? Is that a long time?

I’m going to eat my sandwiches now. Do you like tuna? I like tuna. Do you like tuna? It’s a black car. It might be a blue car, but I think it’s a black car. I’m going to eat my sandwich, now. Why are we slowing down? How long will we be here? Why East Croydon? Will we move again, soon? I’ve never been to Portsmouth, but I’m coming back today. Will I be able to come back today? On the train? How do you know?

It’s happening now. She’s very pretty. I can see the car. This tuna is nice. Do you like tuna? It’s blue, not black. What are you looking for? Why are you looking for your phone? I don’t know where. There’s a lady standing behind her. They’re by the road. Who are you calling?

I don’t think this bread is very nice. What time will I get to Portsmouth? When’s the train coming back? Will it be a long time? The lady’s letting go of the little girl’s hand to answer her phone. I don’t have a phone. Should I get a phone? Are you calling her? Why are you calling her? Do I need to buy another ticket? She’s jumped off the kerb into a puddle. She’s laughing. She’s jumped again. Will I sit in the same seat? The lady’s talking, now. Why does she have her hand on her other ear?

That was a loud noise. That was a loud scream. Why’s it coming from your phone?

How do you know?