I’m in the middle of researching a complicated case when the inevitable happens. The low hum of an incoming call directs my attention to the phone, and I promptly put on my headset and respond to the caller in a professional, upbeat greeting.
“This is Tricia, how may I help you?” I chirp, brightly.
“Transfer me to someone in charge! Someone with infinitely more authority than you, as I am not a common man, but a privileged being, a deity from a planet you will never see, a star far away, that requires a certain level of customer service that your company has yet to provide.”
His etheric voice shakes my core and I wonder what dark magic he spews, for his words fall as poisoned daggers, and I am bombarded. Yet I stand, after placing him on hold and break for lunch.
For dVerse Prosery, where Merril hosts and asks us to write a flash fiction piece no longer than 144 words and to include the following line:
I am bombarded yet I stand.
-from Adrienne Rich‘s poem ‘Planetarium’
This was shortened from a longer version I wrote for Conceited Crusade many moons ago. Read the original version here!
Tricia Sankey 
Oh my goodness–GREAT ending! I love it, Tricia.
And every woman has met, or at least talked to that man!
Thanks, Merril! I used to take phone calls at a few jobs and pulled from some experiences!! Thanks for hosting and picking that great line!! 💕
I wasn’t sure if it was pulled from experience or not. (You know I wrote a book on sexual harassment–I was submerged in these types of stories–though without the fun.)
You’re very welcome!
💓
💙
Marvelous ending. I appreciate the small victory. My small victory is, when my iPhone tells me a robo-call is coming in, I answer in an official voice “Sheriff’s Office, Fraud Division”. Amazing how quickly they disconnect!
😅 That’s great! Thanks, Bev, I may just answer my next robo-call now, too!
Strong finish to a well written piece Tricia!
Thanks, Rob!! 💝
What a great response! You have done very well with this prompt Tricia.
Thanks, Dwight, glad you enjoyed it! 🥰
yes! You are welcome.
Ha! Well played. Enjoy that lunch.
Thanks, I think she will take a long lunch as well! 😅
Now that is funny. It reminds me of the old adage,”What if they started a war, and nobody came?” Beyond the luscious levity, there is a powerful metaphor, and symbolism masquerading as a tightrope walker, truth on one shoe and lies on the other.
Thanks for you comment, Glenn, thrilled you enjoyed it! 🥰
LOL
Nice one Tricia.
Thanks for dropping by my blog.
Much💛love
Thanks, Gillena! 💝
Love this, and the accompanying gif! Made me smile. 😀
Thanks, Carol! Pleased you enjoyed it! ❣
Customer service is one of the worst jobs ever. A great response, in all respects. (K)
Yep, you have to have thick skin! Thanks for reading!! 🥰
Made me smile. Great ending.
Thanks for reading, Ali! 💓
Customer service work is the worst. Enjoyed this!
Thanks so much, Charlotte! 💖
Sweet. A well deserved lunch break and change for this other-worldy a-hole to reflect on the inherent worth of all beings 🙂
Yes! Thanks for your comment, K! 💞
Hahaha, this brings back memories of my heady days in Customer Service!
Working phones definitely inspired me, you get some real characters!! 😄
Tricia – you’re too funny! 😀
-David
Thank you;! 😄😎💓
THat last line is genius. 😀
Thanks for reading! 💞💖🥰
A scene played out around the world I suspect ~~~ the perfect solution to nuts like him. LOL.
Yes! I was actually super empathetic when working on the phones but some people brought out my less than angelic side! 😈
there is reason i do not work in custermor service. iwould not have lucnch. i would use the kind of langue that would get me fired. great write
😄 Thanks, Roger, I took a lot of breaks there! 💗
Your masterful use of the prompt helped break my writing hiatus, thanks
So glad it inspired you, thanks for your comment!! 🥰
one needs see good writing to feel the muse stir.
That’s why I enjoy the dVerse group! You will have to link up your story next time on the Mr. Linky, I don’t think I saw it listed, but I see your blog has moved.
Made me chuckle more than a little. My kind of humor. Well done.
Thanks, Bill! So glad it gave you a chuckle! 💝
You’re welcome.
On hold he will not learn any lesson… but at least he will suffer.
Yeah, hopefully he’ll hang up! 😆 Thanks for reading! 🥰
lol I am sure many call workers do this, good one Tricia 🙂
It’s tempting!! Thanks, Kate! 💓
I too enjoyed this delicious prompt
Thanks so much, David! 💕
hysterical Tricia!
🤣
Thanks, Cindy! 🥰
pleasure!💖
Hahahaha what a great response to the arrogant caller. Hahahaha
Thanks so much!! I just realized I put this older post public again, it must be getting new views now! Getting ready to write a new Prosery piece today and was looking back!😆
This is the first I read it so fresh as daisies 😁🌼
Cool! 🫶