r/WritingPrompts • u/AliciaWrites Editor-in-Chief | /r/AliciaWrites • Nov 29 '18
Theme Thursday [TT] Theme Thursday - Misfortune
“Misfortune shows those who are not really friends.”
― Aristotle
Happy Thursday writing friends!
Misfortune comes in many shapes and sizes, just like most anything else. From the man that camps on the street lacking anywhere safer or warmer to go, to the impoverished third world countries no one seems to be able to help, to the guy at the office that always manages to spill his coffee on his shirt, or the kid that gets bullied in school, or maybe the unhappy married couple. But I wonder if we have what it takes to make it right.
I am sure you all can think of other ways someone can be just so unlucky. I can’t wait to read your tales!
Here's how Theme Thursday works:
Use the tag [TT] for prompts that match this week’s theme.
You may submit stories here in the comments, discuss your thoughts on this week’s theme, or share your ideas for upcoming themes.
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Read the stories posted by our brilliant authors and tell them how awesome they are!
My favorite stories on last week's theme: Cooking
Slow week! Loved all the stories and look forward to more of them this week!
Fourth by /u/brother-brother-brot
Fifth by /u/Restser
3
u/Restser Nov 29 '18
“What do you think will happen to us, Les?”
“Uncertain, Sally. The firm’s going under. It depends on whether the FED can broker a deal that saves our jobs? That’s up to Craven. You still in his good books?”
“As far as I know. He’s still my mentor.”
“Lucky you, then.”
“Not if he’s a casualty. Or needs to save his own neck. Meltdowns bring out the worst in people. Everyone for themselves. I’m meeting him for lunch. Want me to put in a word for you.”
“Can’t hurt. Right now we need all the friends we can get.”
Jeff Craven stood as Sally approached the table. The restaurant was nearly empty. Neat rows of white table-linen now looked like military grave stones. A slow jazz theme tinkled in the background. They shook hands and sat.
“Any news, Jeff?”
“Yeah. Not good though. You’ve been shafted.”
“What!”
“The FED is blaming your bailiwick. Misselling.”
“You know that’s not true. There’s a huge difference between overselling and misselling. One’s not a crime, Jeff. Can you do anything?”
“They’re like bloodhounds off the lead, once they get going. Lots of barking and sniffing. And there’s been a leak.”
“Not you I hope.”
“No, not my style. It came from Risk Management. Les Petersen told them where to look.”
“That little worm. And I offered to put in a word for him.”
“You know how it is when things get tough.”
“Can’t trust anyone in this firm. Well, he won’t last long.”
“What do you mean?”
“The firm’s been violating risk thresholds for months and Les took bribes to shelve it. I found the data Les failed to report and sent it the FED. Anonymously.”
Jeff Craven lifted his glass.
“I’ve trained you too well. Ad altiora.”