Finish the story begins with: “The old typewriter had a mind of its own.”
Which was a novelty in itself. If I typed A it typed B, C/D, E/F and so on until I hit Q. Then it took over.
ARE YOU WATCHING, LEARN TO TYPE YOU MORON.
This message appeared more than once. I did learn to type, on a different machine and the writer was impressed. At first.
But everytime I hit Q it had something to say.
You can imagine the issues I had the day I wrote: ‘Querulous questions Queeny queried quarterly.’
It took two troublesome days to get the job done. Being constantly interrupted by a sarcastic machine is very wearing.
Finally out of exasperation I built a glass case around it and to taunt it I walk past and either announce a Q word or flash a card with QUIET on it.
It vibrates a little, its agitation obvious but settles, as it knows I HAVE WON!
Written for: https://mondaysfinishthestory.wordpress.com/2015/02/23/mondays-finish-the-story-february-23rd-2015/
I got a good chuckle out this story.
Thanks eric, glad to know you did.
I got a good chuckle out of this story. Thanks just what I need to get through this Monday.
My pleasure.
“to taunt it I walk past and either announce a Q word or flash a card with QUIET on it” – that is brilliant. Your story made me chuckle, too.
Thank you Sonya, after all the grief the writer gave him why not get some back on it….
Inanimate objects with soul. I wrote a story once about a house that tripped up a nasty uncle.
I think your ‘Q’ machine belongs in that house. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by. Sometimes machines and people can have happy endings – together.
Thank Jules, you maybe right.
Very well done. I know that I have taunted more than one mechanical device in my day. Never with flash cards though. Might have to give that a try.
I find the flash cards get it going, if you have two cards it really gets it agitated. Thanks so much for your comment.
haha, too cute!! this is a gem, Michael. I actually had a typewriter just like that one…why did I give that antique away? Oh, yeah, it was haunted! this makes me think of a movie with this huge black car that was alive…brrrrr scary. Your story could be a sequel easily!
Thank you Cheryl-Lynn, it’s good when you connect in some way.
🙂 I certainly do and all my broken nails remember that typewriter too 😉
Creepy typewriter with a mind of its own! You’re brave to still keep it with you.
Thanks so much Jessica and yes I am brave but I want to get my own back on it.
LOL! What a funny story! I loved this Michael! I had chosen a photo which I might use next week that is historical, but then I discovered I had a photo of a typewriter from the 1920’s. This seemed perfect and the opening line came to me in an instant. I had to go with this! You did very well and put a smile on my face, and made my sides hurt from the laughing: The signs of a great story!
Thanks again for participating in the MFtS challenge and see you next week? I hope so! Be well my friend! ^..^
Thanks Barb it was as always a fun prompt to write to.
I am glad that you liked this week’s prompt!
i am of the opinion all typewriters are possessed. Every. Single. One.
Yes thank goodness for word processors.
I love the way you encased it in glass! Definitately a one-upman-ship. I wonder what would happen if you pasted a Q on the glass so he has to continually look at it?
Now that’s a good idea Joy. I’ll see what happens…………
Oops, not a pleasant sight.
Another triumph Michael. 😀
Thanks Lyn, it was a good image to write to.
Love this, Michael. I finished reading and thought, “What will he come up with next?” ! 😃
Oh thank you Mandy. I’m only getting started you know.
Oh, I believe you, Michael. Lucky me!
Go check my last post today.
Once it has learned some manners maybe you can start using it again!
Fun story 🙂
Thank you so much. But I think hell may freeze over first.
It would seem that this very ill-bred and ill-mannered machine got its just deserts. I wonder who its parents were … You really showed it a thing or two with those flash cards. Great story. It gave me a good laugh, so thank you for that. 🙂
Hello Millie thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your comment.
Touchy typewriters and their pet peeves! Fun story!
Thank you Emily appreciate you stopping by.
You need to watch those sassy machines. But, I think you one-upped it. 😉
Yes I think I’ve put it in its place Jackie.
At Least it wasn’t set off by E! Great response – I can just see that being decades of fun taunting.