Backstories Anonymous: Drabble #1 – Origin

The party on the roof of the Veralux Hotel isn’t all that bad for an office do. Sure I’d rather be at home with my husband and kids, but the food is good and my handsy client had a conflicting engagement so I’m calling it a good night.

BAM!

What the — oh shit. There’s a man with a gun! No, several men with guns — all in balaclavas. My coworkers and clients are scattering to get away. Great idea but the gunmen are standing in front of the door we came up through. Maybe there’s a fire escape ladder? I don’t see one, but maybe it’s behind me?

As I turn around to look something hits my back. I try to get my legs under me, but I’m buffeted again. I hear the gunmen shouting orders but I can’t understand them because everyone else is screaming. I feel hands pushing on my back as I continue to stumble forward. I see the ledge around the roof coming on fast and start screaming too.

I’m no match for the stampeding crowd behind me. Despite my frantic efforts I hit the ledge at speed and topple over it. I’m flailing and screaming and cursing and…

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…and I’m face down on the ground. I made it! I’m alive! But how?

“Welcome to the archive.”

I lift my head and see a middle-aged man. He’s smiling and holding out a hand to me. I take it and he helps me to my feet. I look around and…I’m not on the street in front of the Veralux. In fact, I don’t seem to be anywhere. The two of us are standing on a featureless gray plane. There’s light enough to see, but I can’t see its source. Suddenly I’m cold and shaking all over.

The man opens his arms and cocks his head as he asks, “Would you like a hug?”

As much as I could use one, I feel awkward about physical contact with strangers.

Through chatting teeth I manage to croak out, “I don’t even know your name.”

“Ben,” he says. “Ben Parker.”

Despite my terror I laugh. “Like Spiderman’s uncle?”

“Not like his uncle. I AM his uncle.”

Relief floods through me so strong my knees go out from under me. I sit on the gray floor and take a few deep breaths.

“Oh it’s only a dream! Thank all that’s holy! I’m so happy! I thought I was dead.”

Ben, shakes his head sadly. “I’m sorry miss, but you are dead. Death by backstory I’m afraid. Happens to the best of us.”

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I hope you enjoyed Drabble #1. Please tune in next week.