“Hey man, look, you know I’m asking out of concern. How are the new meds working?”
“Great actually! Yeah, I’m actually very impressed. The physical ticks have almost disappeared.”
“Good man, I’m glad to hear it. I noticed you were doing a lot better recently. Like I said John, I, out of concern, you know,” Nick said pulling the whole ‘I’m a co worker and I care, but actually I’m just extracting information’ routine.
“I really appreciate it Nick. It’s good to know people are noticing,” John said, returning the same fake smile.
Nick patted him on the shoulder, totally violating the rules. Oh God, John thought, now I’ll be late, I’ll have to count my primes again, then do my threes again, then….
“You alright buddy? You look pale,” Nick inquired.
“Yeah! Just thinking about the day ahead, the meeting with accounting, and I have Sarah to meet with also, to discuss the budget,” John replied.
“Oh yeah? Sarah can be a real ball buster John! I don’t envy you my friend, take it easy ok?” Nick said and left.
“Yes she can Nick… Yes she can,” John said in return. Nick waved in affirmation.
John would deal with Nick’s transgression in time; what mattered now were prime numbers, three’s, and some finger clicks. Sarah as well, the issue of her in general would be addressed soon. He gave it, at the most, another day or two. John walked over to the sink and washed his hands. The itching of his balls was almost unbearable. A small price to pay, in another day or two it will all be over.
You have just read an excerpt from the disturbing short story Patience, written by Ben Eads. The full story is scheduled to appear in the first issue of The Ashen Eye.
Ben Eads lives in Florida and works in the Information Technology field. Aside from reading and writing dark fiction, he enjoys martial arts, philosophy, and finding the secrets to the universe.
He started his own podcast, called “The Dark Fiction Spotlight”, which focuses on up and coming writers and the presses that publish them. Its goal is to spread the word to as many people as possible.
Ben’s work has recently appeared in “Black Petals”, issue #43, and the March/May issue of “NVH Magazine”.
Recently:
- Issue #1 out NOW!
- Debra Leigh Scott
- Wayne Blackhurst
- William Couper
- Phillip Stecco
- Misty Lackey
- Nickolas Cook
- Andrew Wolter
- Jeffrey Buford
- Mark A. Mihalko