PHOTO PROMPT © Nancy Richy
It was a unique but familiar waiting room. The windows overlooked a small atrium that seemed more like a backyard. The flora extended indoors and plants that I remembered as sprouts were fairly dominant vines encroaching upon plush, gray chairs.
“Mr. Müller will see you now.” The receptionist was new, young, and I couldn’t help thinking she resembled a brunette Barbie doll.
I walked into the ridiculously large office. “Vance, it’s been a long time.”
He gave me his CEO smile. “I’m glad you came. I know you’re retired, but…”
“Sure. Kids today don’t know how to tend a garden.”
It’s Wednesday and once again time to participate in Rochelle Wisoff-Fields’ 11 April 2025 edition of Friday Fictioneers. The idea is to use the image above as the prompt for crafting a poem or short story no more than 100 words long. My word count is exactly 100.
I had a set of fairly weird dreams last night that would take too long to recount in full. However, one part was being offered an on-call job in IT for a place that had once laid me off. In the dream, they were really vague about what the job entailed and how to respond under various circumstances. Fortunately, I woke up.
But I still had that dream in mind when I started writing this and the above tale is the result. Yes, I know it’s rather benign and even bland.
To read other stories based on the prompt, visit inlinkz.
Cover art for my book “Our Legacy, The Stars: A Tom Corbett Adventure.”
My book Our Legacy, The Stars: A Tom Corbett Adventure has gotten a five-star review on both Amazon and goodreads.
Based on the 1950s television show Tom Corbett Space Cadet, the book is updated in terms of our modern understanding of science as well as more nuanced characterizations and plot.
The Literary Post says:
“Pyles takes us back to a simpler time in science fiction, complete with all of the warm nostalgic fuzzies that go along with it.”
Order your copy of my book Our Legacy, The Stars: A Tom Corbett Adventure and let the fun begin.
poweredbyrobots.com 
Dear James,
Sounds like gardening is in his future as well as his past.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Indeed. Thanks.
LikeLike
I’ve had that nightmare. Kids these days. All my personal physicians were born after I graduated from Med school. I could teach them a thing or two.
Tracey
LikeLike
I’m currently going to physical therapy and all of the people working with me look like kids.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They don’t make kids like they used to!
LikeLike
There’s been some sort of cultural shift, I agree.
LikeLiked by 1 person
James, wehad the same idea, that it looks like a waiting room. I don’t think they need a gardener –gardeners never retire, btw — they need a pair of shears! Good story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Gardeners never retire… but their knees do. Good take.
LikeLike
Thanks, Sandra.
LikeLike
Neither bland nor benign. Lots of subtext, though, and I totally get your comment about how young your PT people look. I wonder if I look as old to them as they look young to me 🙂
LikeLike
Probably. The only people who look old to me now are in their 80s and 90s.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not at all bland or benign. Too many stories within this story to make it so. A well-told tale.
LikeLike
Thanks, Alicia.
LikeLike
Old timers know best, I believe, especially now that I am becoming one. 🙂 Nice story!
LikeLike
Agreed. Thanks.
LikeLike
Nicely done James. Now he is the gardener not the patient. Great memory reflections here
LikeLike
Thanks, Laurie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! That was good. Return of the plant guy!
LikeLike
“Return of the Plant Guy.” Could be a super villain. 😉 Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is nothing like the appreciation of experience and dedication. Also, many youngster do not appreciate what they have or take responsibility for their surroundings.
LikeLike
Very true. Thanks, James
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s probably not wrong!
LikeLike
Agreed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not all of us have a green thumb, but we appreciate those that do!
LikeLike