31 Comments

Well done! I loved this one. I could picture this story being stretched out to novel length.

You have a wonderful imagination, Bill!

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I agree. That little gap of uncertainty between prediction and future action seems full of possibilities. And their daughter showing up. Shivers!

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Uncertainty makes everything much more difficult, but it's the world we live in.

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Thank you, Donna. I'm delighted you enjoyed Petra Jones' phone.

I sometimes expand my stories and this one may have a sequel.

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The nemesis of my young female superhero, Muscle Girl, is named Petra O'Leum (as in petroleum), and she actually is a redhead with a serial killer's bloodlust.

Eventually, I'll get the stories I have about her posted here...

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Now I'm having strange, Twilight Zone vibes.

I don't think I've ever met a Petra in real life, though.

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What's the extra monthly fee for a clairvoyant phone?

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It's whatever the phone companies can get away with charging. ;-)

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Great question, Mark. I, myself, am holding out until they invent a cell phone that can scrub a shower and wash windows. Won't be long.

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Curse them phones, getting smarter by the minute. Great, creepy story, Bill!

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Thanks, Alexander. I'm glad you enjoyed Petra Jones' Phone.

I want that phone feature, but maybe I don't.

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maybe not ;) then again smartphones are already an extension of our minds, of our consciousness.

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Really enjoyed that Bill. A great wee story finishing on a nicely grim note

Also, enjoyed you getting the Scottish souvenir tat spot on. Our economy is built on Nessie toys and various soft animals wearing kilts!

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Thanks, Daniel. I'm happy you enjoyed Petra Jones' Phone.

I have to admit buying a Nessie toy for my kids while I was in Edinburgh. 😊

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That’s it. I’m going back to my old flip phone, no smarts!

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Flip phones are still a thing in Japan and a good number of people use them.

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That's refreshing! I held out a long time before I switched.

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Wow! I would have done the same thing too! 😂 can I get a clairvoyant phone next?!

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I kind of want that phone, though I know it would result in some VBG, very bad things. ;-)

Eventually, we'll get them. Tech powers forward!

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Yikes.

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“How about we hit a pub?” After THAT story, it's a good idea. Creepy, Bill. Getting creepier with each new tale. Nice work!

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Thanks, Sharron. I was in a twisted mode when I wrote Petra Jones' Phone. Coffee during, but I might have had a drink after.

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I think the phone was broken and scattered in the wind in a million pieces landing in other people's lives and capturing the moments.

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The phone's origins are mysterious. Its plan even more so.

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This is why I use an iPhone. 🤣

Knowing the future is probably more of a curse than a blessing. Especially when it come with impossible ethical decisions.

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The only future my phone sees is when it pops up a notification that a bill is due. That's also a curse.

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I prefer fortune cookies. 🤣

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I'm with you, Mark. I may be the last person on the planet who has no cell phone, but If I ever got one, this would no doubt happen to me.

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Better play it safe. 😉

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Cool picture, where was that taken?

I recently had the unfortunate sight of seeing someone who was riding his bike, crossed traffic and got hit head on. He was fine, but his bike was trashed. (He refused help and talking to police, which had me suspecting he probably was breaking his probation or has a record or something)

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That's Circus Lane in Edinburgh, a beautiful street.

Yikes about that bike collision. That's scary. I'm glad he was able to walk away, and I think yes, there was something suspicious about that.

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