The blue van with the official markings of the city pulled up and parked. Two people climbed out, clad in the blue uniform of the municipal parking enforcement agency. They walked over to the nearest parking meter and attached a strange looking canister to it. One person was working, the other seemed to be observing…
And thus begins my entry for Nixy Valentine’s Writing Adventure Groupлегла challenge #10, “The Professional”. This time we were asked to observe and describe someone we see around us, someone performing an everyday job we know little about. As usual, my imagination got the better of me.
Unsettling. I assume that is what you were going for. This sounded like a passage from a Robert Ludlum novel. I half expected the guards to seize you, throw you in the back of the van and hook you up to the contraption. You said a great deal in a few words.
I always wonder about the people that take the jobs no one else wants. Especially if it is a job people resent. It can’t be enjoyable.
Very well written.
Oofta…maybe you should have crossed the street. Very nicely written Gunnar; well-organized with descriptions that took me there. I guess you could also have called your piece “For Better or Norse.” : ))
Well now! That was interesting. I do admit I feel bad them. They are constantly picked on and if you’ve ever seen that show, Parking Wars I believe it’s called, I want to walk up to them and give them coffee. That’s a sucky job, but hell now a days it’s still a job.
Nice piece.
Sometimes things really are as we imagine them. Professionalism only goes so far, I suppose. Nice little twist at the end.
Hope there really wasn’t a parking meter scandal in your town. I hate meters, and that really would annoy the c*** out of me.
~jon
Busted!
I think I would have gotten a little vindictive pleasure out of watching them sweat about what I’d seen and knew and whether I’d turn them in.
Of course, you said this was all fiction, but it raised this surprisingly personal reaction of “There was a scandal that upset a lot of people and you STILL cheated? You should be soooo much trouble!”. Obviously to get me so wrapped up in your story is a great sign. I really enjoyed reading this.
Nice take on the exercise!
Cheers!
SueO
Nice! Loved the twist at the end. The pov was sympathetic and then suddenly…
Great job!
[...] Gunnar Helleisen [...]
[...] Gunnar Helleisen [...]
In truth, immediately i didn’t understand the essence. But after re-reading all at once became clear.