February 4, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that features a substitution. How might a character or situation be impacted by a stand-in? Bonus points for fairy tale elements.
I woke late this morning, feeling less than my usual self.
As if a part of me had run off during the night.
I showered, dressed, tried to hurry.
Walking through the office saying Good Morning with no replies
Had they all become blind?
Patting myself down, the way some people pinch themselves.
Did I do something to be sent to Coventry?
I couldn’t think.
Reaching my desk I could see God knows what.
A shadow that had taken my place, holding my cup of coffee
My colleagues chatting, nothing seemed wrong.
I had been replaced by dust particles…
© Anita Dawes 2021
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