This week’s Trifecta Challenge is based on the third definition Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary provides for the word “whatever.” Clocking in at exactly 333 words, here’s “Whatever.”
“The delete key is dangerous, you know. It’s why I like to write with a pen and paper. Pen’s better than pencil, too. It’s harder to throw writing away permanently when it’s not just 1’s and 0’s.” Marion smiled at me. Her arm was resting on my chest, rising and falling with each of my breaths.
“I know what you mean,” I replied. My fingers caught briefly in her hair and I pulled them free. “Sorry,” I muttered as they found her neck.
“S’okay. Didn’t hurt.”
“But I know what you mean about the delete key. That’s the hardest thing for me, when I’m writing something on the computer, anyway. I hate knowing that a single button press can wipe out any idea that didn’t strike me as immediately working.”
“Exactly.” She shifted slightly, leaning against my shoulder. Neither of us were really paying attention to the show we’d put on the TV. Our conversations had the tendency to shift toward work anyway, whether we intended for them to or not. “It just bugs me that I could lose an entire piece as soon as one ‘Whatever!’ moment hits me.”
“Papers can be pulled out of the trash. You know, provided you don’t set them on fire…”
“One time. That happened ONE time. Besides, I apologized for that. But you,” she said, slapping my chest, “won’t let me live it down.”
“Only because you set off the smoke alarms. We’re damn lucky we got the dorm aired out before the rest of the building alarms went off. Last thing we needed was for the RA to catch you drinking that night.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. Still, I could always give you crap about the things you got caught doing on campus.” Marion flashed her Cheshire grin.
“Touché, love. I suppose it’s best to quit while I’m behind.” I pulled her close to me, kissing her forehead.
“I love it when I win.”
“That’s why I let you get the last word.”
“Thanks.”
The Swords of the Ancients 
18 Comments
The delete key is powerful. Had to laugh at the setting paper on fire – I could see myself doing that in a fit of frustration 🙂
Thank you! I’m glad you could relate. 😀
Ha! I’m thinking my wife would like it if I set a few more papers on fire 😉 I just can’t bring myself to throw anything away. Great story!
Thanks for reading! It’s hard to get rid of anything when you’re working on a story.
I like how he lets her get the last word. Smart man.
Oh, most definitely.
i enjoyed this tender moment. sweet.
Thanks for reading! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I agree with Sun. Your story had a tenderness about it that was very refreshing. They seem like a happy, normal couple…..what a rarity these days. Thanks for making “normal” seem lovely. 🙂
Well thank you! I’m glad you liked the story. It was a fun one to write, that’s for certain. If I managed to make likable characters out of it, then all the better.
I enjoyed their friendly banter while cuddled up together, more interested in each other than the tv. Sweet.
It’s the best kind of unexpected conversation. Thanks for reading!
I love the natural interaction between these two. Great work.
Thanks, Draug! Always appreciate the positive words.
This is brilliant and so true. Reads very naturally and I love the nature of their discussion. Thanks for sharing!
It’s always fun to have a great prompt to work with. Thanks for reading!
So much passion and a sweet companionship, I’m jealous.
Thank you very much!