Tag: science fiction

The Cleaners Part 33: The Other Grandma

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

Abruptly, I realized I had not spent this much time looking directly at Kaitlin even as her hostage. Somehow it hadn’t even occurred to me at the time that I might be her hostage. It seemed so transparent that Henry was leading the show. Now in my own invaded dining room I felt like I…… Continue reading The Cleaners Part 33: The Other Grandma

The Cleaners Part 32: We Must Stop Them

“We have been watching you for a long time, Diane,” said William, staring out from behind his :). He spoke haltingly, as if repeating words heard from a silent other speaker. “You have already been told this in part, but the truth is, you are an object of immense interest on the Helpernet.” William paused…… Continue reading The Cleaners Part 32: We Must Stop Them

The Cleaners Part 31: My Friends

At first I was touched by the immediacy which Christine made time in what must be a terribly busy schedule to speak with normal people, but I had to remind myself that I was not a normal person. “Diane,” chirped Christine, curt but pleasant. “I am so glad to hear from you after that awful…… Continue reading The Cleaners Part 31: My Friends

The Cleaners Part 30: Cold Calling

“Your lunch will be ready in fifteen minutes, Diane,” announced Tony Feeder from the kitchen. “Thanks, Tony,” I shouted without looking up from my computer. William was in the living room wiping down my mantle again. The Caretaker was standing in the corner in sleep mode. “Zzz…” said his screen, typing itself in and disappearing…… Continue reading The Cleaners Part 30: Cold Calling

The Cleaners Part 29: Angry Grandma Rises

Arms Open Wide

Somehow, I felt as if I hadn’t seen Walter in years, but that couldn’t be right. I lay in bed, letting my love’s piano playing wash over me.  “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound” I sang along under my breath. I rolled out of bed, feeling strangely unsteady. “Must have stood up too quickly,” I…… Continue reading The Cleaners Part 29: Angry Grandma Rises

The Cleaners Part 28: The Wall

The wall shone white, projecting its clean to the world, goading me, daring me to be anything but thrilled with its faultless, pure perfection. Slumped in my easy chair, I felt my face pull into a scowl. My house was immaculate. William had left to get repaired, but on the way his issue mysteriously resolved…… Continue reading The Cleaners Part 28: The Wall

The Cleaners Part 27: Victory

Henry put two fingers to his ear. “Do you have it?” he asked, looking away from us for a moment. He seemed absorbed in a response from what must be an earphone. I took a risk. “Can’t you call the police?” I whispered to William while Henry was distracted, “I saw somebody like you make a…… Continue reading The Cleaners Part 27: Victory

The Cleaners Part 26: Home

After months, my home was just like I left it. My lawn was neatly mown, my mailbox was tidily containing whatever junk mail I had accumulated, even my bushes were neatly trimmed. I tried to imagine the bill I must have earned from my neighborhood covenant. Those blasted nincompoops would never leave an old woman…… Continue reading The Cleaners Part 26: Home

The Cleaners Part 25: The Wrong Answer

Henry and Cindy studied me from the couch. Despite their age difference they looked everything like a couple with some bad news to tell their child. I supposed that made me the child. Cindy looked older now that she had cut off the blue and white part of her hair, leaving a dark brown ear-length…… Continue reading The Cleaners Part 25: The Wrong Answer