photo courtesy – John Nixon
The Key
Word Count: 103
Dwayne had forgotten to wind the key leaving Bill stuck with legs akimbo in front of what he presumed was a stunned audience. He rolled his eyes; it wasn’t the first time the little pisher had messed up and Bill regretted not firing the kid back in Memphis. He wagged his legs and heard a titter from the audience which prompted further frantic waving. Within moments, Dwayne clumped to the piano whereupon he whispered, “sorry boss,” before turning the key. Below, a panel opened, allowing Bill rolling access onto the stage.
Dwayne departed that day. The little pisher took the key with him.
Spiritual Biscuits 
I really enjoyed playing this one out in my head as it must have looked, and I especially loved the last line. Loved it!
Thank you!
I never even noticed the wind-up key until I read your story. Now I can’t un-see it. Nice story.
Thank you!
Good plot and characterisation. It has happened to all of us and thus rings true. I’d have left with the key too. In fact, done something similar more than once! Ann
P S I don’t mean we’ve all been stuck in a piano, I mean, unjustly sent packing. Sorry to mention packing! It’s a charged word for me too.
Ha! The pain of packing is fading…now it’s all in the unpacking! Thanks for commenting!
Enjoy the unpacking. 🙂
Nicely done.
Thank you!
A bad co-worker for sure! You built a mood here. Nice.
I imagine he’s off working in a fair now. 🙂
You’re one of the few Fictioneers to pick up on the key. (You and the little pisher!) Nice story.
Thank you!
Dear Brit,
This one was worth the read for “little pisher” alone. Hate those days when someone forgets to turn the key, don’t you? Fun story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you Rochelle.
I wonder which one will be the easiest to replace.
The little pisher, I believe. It will take weeks to get a replacement key for such a unique piece of equipment. Although, if they had their act together (excuse the pun), they would have had a back up key.
Lol (at the pun)