The use of computers and the introduction of the internet rendered office supplies nearly obsolete. But, still, every business had a room full. I took off my lab coat and donned a cheap suit. I bought as much of the unwanted stock as possible. People were happy to rid themselves of their unnecessary junk. At least, that was before the Incident. Now, no more electronic devices or internet.
It doesn’t bother me. I’m sitting pretty with warehouses full of office supplies.
People wonder, “How did it happen?” They will never know.
I made sure not to leave a paper trail.
~~
This story is my contribution to “Friday Fictioneers,” a weekly challenge hosted by the lovely Rochelle Wisoff Fields. With the help of a photo prompt to inspire, we’re to write a 100-word story. The photo this week was provided by Jan Wayne Fields.
If you would like to join in with this encouraging group of writers or read their stories from this week, visit here.
Interesting thoughts from your story. I think paper records if kept safe are the most accessible, when you consider how technology advances and storage devices become obsolete. a simple example is VHS tapes, who these days has a VHS Player or even a CD player? It the information is not digital will it be lost forever?
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Thanks so much! Very true. I had an external hard drive a couple years ago that was loaded with photos and a few semi-important documents. I didn’t store it anywhere else, unfortunately, and the hard drive became “corrupted” so I lost a lot of “stuff.” Not earth shattering, but disappointing. Take care, James!!
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Spotted a gap in the market, or rather, created one. That’s the way to be successful these days. Nice story Brenda 🙂
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Yes, she is a creative one. =) Thanks so much, Iain!
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It’s worth considering investing in clay tablets and stylus too, depending on how bad the crash gets
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Good idea, Neil! Thanks for stopping by.
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Dear Brenda,
Almost a sinister feel to this at the end. I still love to peruse Office Max and look at the goodies. 😉 Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I do too! I enjoyed the days when I’d go to buy supplies to stock the copy/supply room. Guess it’s better for the trees that we don’t use so much paper, but still. Thanks, Rochelle! =)
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It’s always good when you can create demand for your supply 🙂
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My point exactly (haha)!! Thanks for stopping by and I hope you are staying well, Ali!
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no doubt about it, she’ll be winner with all her hoard. 🙂
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It’s a win/win for her. =) Take care, Plaridel!
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Love, love, love the last line!
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Well … that made me smile! Thank you, CE. I’m very happy your liked it. =)
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Nice twist, Brenda. What a conniving mind! I just hope world domination is not next on his list. 🙂
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Hmm, could be (haha). I’m glad you enjoyed the twist. =)
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There was a bit of nostalgia in this write since it brought to mind the joy of buying all the supplies needed for the beginning of a new school year.
It was like x’mas. Now, they don’t go to school; just look at a screen.
SAD … it’s a changed world. Nicely done, Brenda. Happy New Year 2021
Be Safe … 😷 🙏🏻 😊
Isadora 😎
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I enjoyed getting then buying school supplies as well, and it’s true, one of the sad things about the children going to school online this year. I’m glad you enjoyed the story. It was a difficult one for me. I looked and looked at the photo for two days. =) Happy New Year to you too! Take care, Isadora.
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Sharp business sense, especially the contrived need for what she can make profits from. Business from what understand of it is dog-eat-dog.
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She is truly sharp, stockpiling then creating the need. I could never be a business-woman, too stressful and competitive I think. Lovely to see you here and thanks so much for commenting! =)
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Neither could I, Brenda. You are very welcome 🙂
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An ingenious take on the prompt, a satisfying read, nicely done.
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Thanks so much. I’m really glad you enjoyed! =)
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Well ahead of the toilet paper shortage Lol! Love it!
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I’m so glad you enjoyed the story. Thanks for letting me know. =)
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That’s quite a unique kind of conspiracy theory! 🙂 Full marks for orginality.
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What a nice comment. Thanks much, Sandra!
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I am tempted to buy up all the working mechanical typewriters 🙂
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There you go, then sit back and wait. =)
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With everything going digital, it is not as safe as people think it is. Servers go corrupt or hacked, and so do hard drives. Best to have a hard copy and a soft copy. Or backups of your backups! I wonder what the Incident was?
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That is certainly true, back ups for your backups. Thanks for stopping by! =)
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And they say ‘Crime doesn’t pay’. Enjoyed!
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But, then again, I suppose sometimes it does (haha). Thanks for stopping by! =)
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