A case of mistaken identity. A Daily Flash Fiction contest entry. |
I was perusing my library of downloaded podcasts to select an episode for the train commute when I noticed from the corner of my eyes an older gentleman affording me the most intense scowl. I looked around and behind me to make sure I was indeed the recipient of such a pronounced glare, and removed my right earbud, keeping my left intact in case what was about to transpire would end up being a short conversation. The gentleman did not remove his gray-eyed gaze from my direction. “Can I help you?” I asked. He huffed exaggeratedly as if to make a finer point. “You certainly can!” he yelled, his voice crackled with age. A couple of fellow passengers glanced his way. “I don’t appreciate what you did to my friend!” I was confused. “I don’t understand—” “Oh, you don’t understand, huh?” he interjected. “Mr. Investigative Reporter? Ha!” “Sir, I think you’ve mistaken—“ “Don’t play dumb with me, Kyle Iboshi!” he huffed, while attempting to get up. The movement of the train and what I assumed to be frailty in his bones prohibited the motion. “Nothing you can say will bring my dear friend’s business back, you nosy, no-good know-it-all!” “Sir,” I said. “I’m afraid I’m not Kyle Iboshi.” “What?” the gentleman asked, putting on the glasses that dangled by a chain across his chest. His eyes widened with realization and his cheeks began to take on a crimson glow. “Well, you all look alike!” “Don’t we all?” I responded, brushing off his mildly racist remark. “Oh, and in case you were wondering, I do know karate.” At that, the older gentleman glowered at me for a few more seconds, removed his glasses then looked away. I smiled, put my right earbud back in, and selected a podcast episode. Written for the 2018-04-16 prompt of "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge" by Arakun the twisted raccoon Prompt: Write a story that includes a case of mistaken identity. Word Count: 300 |