Short Fiction
1 min
Certified Male
Rosalind Thomas
Spider Seaton had spent his life astride his pushbike - postman and mail criss-crossing the streets that fanned out from the Nullagine Post Office.
The Mayor declared: ‘He's been on that bike so long he's turning into one.'
Spider could only remain upright by moving forward. If he slowed to a stop, he toppled over.
The townsfolk grew used to their half-man half-bike. Spider spoke in a breathless whir. Walking uphill, his voice notched down a gear. His wife complained their lovemaking had become mechanical.
On the day Spider retired, everyone wore their right trouser legs tucked into their socks.
--- The Mayor declared: ‘He's been on that bike so long he's turning into one.'
Spider could only remain upright by moving forward. If he slowed to a stop, he toppled over.
The townsfolk grew used to their half-man half-bike. Spider spoke in a breathless whir. Walking uphill, his voice notched down a gear. His wife complained their lovemaking had become mechanical.
On the day Spider retired, everyone wore their right trouser legs tucked into their socks.
Second Prize Winner of the 2021 WritingWA Love to Read Local Flash Fiction Competition.
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