Summary

The stationery container's inhabitants are thrown into a frenzy over the arrival of a pen that closely resembles their nemesis, the "Evil Queen," leading to a mix of suspicion, storytelling, and eventual realization that she is merely a lost twin named Amy's pen.

Abstract

Inside a stationery container, the residents are alarmed by the appearance of a pen that looks like their adversary, the "Evil Queen." The characters, including Red Pen, Ruler, and Scissors, engage in speculation and storytelling about the newcomer's identity. They recount tales of the Evil Queen's malevolent actions, such as attempting to break Ruler and unscrew Scissors. The new pen is eventually revealed to be a harmless twin of the Evil Queen, much to the relief and excitement of the other stationery items, particularly Blue Clicky Pen, who is smitten with her. However, their interaction is cut short when Tze Lin, the human owner, mistakenly swaps the pen with her friend Amy's and takes the newcomer away. This humorous narrative is part of a writing contest entry inspired by the prompt: "What kinds of conversations are happening amongst the items in your desk container?"

Opinions

The stationery items initially perceive the new pen with suspicion due to her resemblance to the "Evil Queen."
Each character has a personal anecdote about the Evil Queen's past misdeeds, indicating a shared history of conflict within the container.
The Chopsticks twins, new members of the container, believe in the power of twins and are quick to accept the new pen.
Blue Clicky Pen's immediate attraction to the new pen adds a comedic and romantic element to the story.
The stationery items' anthropomorphized reactions and the drama that unfolds reflect a playful and imaginative perspective on everyday objects.
The story ends on a humorous note, emphasizing the absurdity of stationery items engaging in gossip and relationships, as well as the whimsical nature of the writing prompt that inspired it.

HUMOUR | FLASH FICTION

The Evil Queen Is Gone!

Or is she?

“Psssst… guys, I think we have an intruder,” whispered Red Pen as she stared pointedly at the opposite side of the container.

“Who? Isn’t that Her Royal Highness, The Black Clicky Pen herself?” asked Ruler, as he yawned and stretched himself.

“No, it’s not. Look at her chewed-up head!” Red Pen said, agitatedly.

“What are you guys talking about?” Scissors joined the conversation.

“Who is that?” hissed Red Pen.

“The best way to find out is to ask her directly,” chimed in the Chopsticks twins. They were the latest members in Tze Lin’s stationery container; they arrived with her food delivery even though she had specifically checked the “no cutlery” box on the app.

The gang leaned themselves towards the retractable black pen. Blue Clicky Pen couldn’t help but make clicking sounds at the sight of this newcomer as he thought to himself, “Wow, she is gorgeous!” But before he could introduce himself, a shrill voice interrupted him.

“Who are you? Where are you from?” Red Pen demanded.

“I’m sorry, but I think I’m lost.”

“Why do you look exactly like Black Clicky Pen?” Ruler asked, curiously.

“She must be her twin. Twins. Just like us, twins rule the world,” the Chopsticks twins chanted.

Blue Pen couldn’t hide his enthusiasm anymore, “Gosh, you’re beautiful. So unlike that evil queen!”

“Evil queen?”

They explained to the newcomer that there was another pen who looked just like her, but she was a nasty piece of stationery. Hence, the nickname “Evil Queen”.

“She tried to snap me in two!” Ruler shuddered at the memory of Black Clicky Pen tricking him into performing impossible acrobatic moves. Scissors nodded, and told the story of how Black Clicky Pen tried to unscrew his blades while he was sleeping.

“And she threw away my cap! My cap, I’m telling ya! I nearly shrivelled up and died,” Red Pen exclaimed dramatically.

“Is that why you have a black cap on?” asked the new Black Clicky Pen. Red Pen nodded while pointing at a cabinet, “Tze Lin found it in that graveyard of stationeries.”

“The Evil Queen is gone! Gone, gone, gone,” the Chopsticks twins chanted.

At this point, Blue Clicky Pen had already planted himself directly next to the new pen. “What we are saying is, it’s such a delight to have you here. I, for one, am thrilled that you are gracing us with your black, onyx-like radiance. Would you like to go on a date with me?”

The new black pen bowed her chewed-up head shyly and whispered, “Oh, I would love to…woooopppp…help!”

The rest of the gang was so preoccupied with their gossip that they failed to notice the computer screen was already switched on. They watched as Tze Lin lifted the new Black Clicky Pen up from their home, and heard her say, “Oh sorry, Amy, I think I took your pen by mistake. Mine should be in your container.”

This story is my entry for a contest organised by Liberty Forrest, Author and Witchy on the lovely publication, Hope * Healing * Humour — “On your desk, there is a container for your pens, pencils, scissors and other such items. What kinds of conversations are happening amongst them?” For further information, please refer to the following post.

Weekly Newsletterish: A Contest, $50 Prize; and Coping With Change

Welcoming new writers who love what we’re all about!

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I love this sweet entry by Suma Narayan

Stationary Stationery

A ‘Prompt’ Response

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And this extremely funny one by Alan AJ

After Hearing Whispers From My Shelves, I Might Have To Start Writing the Old Fashioned Way Again

My pens, pencils, and rulers are feeling left out these days

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If you enjoyed this post and would like to support me, please consider buying me a coffee. Thank you very much! https://ko-fi.com/samtzelin