Sliced Bread
The mother of invention
“Trust me, Carl, this invention is revolutionary! It’s the best thing since sliced bread!”
Frank pointed to a strange-looking contraption on the stove.
“What the heck is that?” Carl eyed the gadget skeptically.
“It’s a self-stirring pot! No more standing around stirring your soup or chili for hours on end. Let it work for you,” Frank suggested.
Carl shook his head.
“I don’t know, Frank. Seems like a lazy man’s dream. What happened to good old-fashioned elbow grease?”
Frank rolled his eyes.
“Elbow grease? Please. We’re living in the 21st century, Carl. It’s all about convenience and efficiency now.”
Suddenly, the pot began to vibrate and shake violently, splattering chicken soup and causing both men to jump back in alarm.
“What the hell?!” Carl’s mouth hung open.
“I don’t know. It’s never done this before!” Frank started pushing buttons as he tried to turn off the machine.
Just as they thought the pot was about to explode, it stopped shaking and a loud clanging noise echoed through the kitchen.
They approached the pot and peered inside, only to find a large spoon wedged in the mechanism, causing the chaos.
Frank sighed in defeat. “Well, back to the drawing board.”
Carl smirked. “Seems like you’ll need to rely on elbow grease again.”
Laughing, they were relieved to see the experiment hadn’t been a total disaster.
As they cleaned up the mess, Carl couldn’t resist one last jab.
“Maybe next time, stick to the sliced bread, Frank.”
Frank couldn’t help but chuckle.
“All right, Carl. Maybe I’ll leave the cooking to you.”
“Are you going to cook something now?” Carl asked as he rubbed his stomach, and Frank grinned.
“I have just the thing. I call it a ‘lazy man’s sandwich’. It’s just bread and peanut butter. No slicing required.”
Carl raised an eyebrow. “You really love convenience, don’t you?”
Frank shrugged. “Hey, if it ain’t broke.”
They both laughed and dug into their sandwiches, enjoying the simplicity of the meal and the humor of the situation.
Post-meal, Carl glanced at Frank and remarked, “The self-stirring pot could succeed after all.”
Frank grinned. “I think you’re right. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll be able to invent a self-making sandwich machine.”
They both laughed, picturing a world where people automate the most basic tasks.
“You know what, Carl? Despite the failed inventions and the occasional teasing from my wife, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. The joy lies in the process of creating something new.”
“Absolutely, Frank. It’s the excitement of challenging limits and thinking creatively that makes life interesting. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll invent something that’ll change the world!”
Frank smiled. “Wouldn’t that be something? To leave a mark on history, even if it’s a small one. But for now, I’ll settle for making my wife laugh and bringing a little excitement into our lives.”
Just then Frank’s cellphone gave a distinctive chirrup, the ringtone he’d assigned his wife.
Frank answered his phone. “Hi honey. Can I put you on speaker? I’m here with Carl, talking about my inventions. Wouldn’t you agree they add excitement to our lives?”
A voice from the phone, Frank’s wife, Lisa said, “Sure. I’ll admit, Frank, your crazy inventions add a certain spark to our marriage. Life with you is never dull.”
Frank grinned. “That’s what I like to hear! You’re the reason I keep pushing forward, darling. Your support and sense of humor keep me grounded.”
“Well, someone has to keep you in check, don’t they?”
Carl laughed. “Frank, you’re a lucky man. Lisa’s sarcasm is a gift, you know.”
“Oh, I’m well aware, Carl. It keeps me balanced and reminds me to find humor, even when things go awry.”
“So, what’s the next invention on your list, Frank? I’m looking forward to your new contraption.”
Frank thought for a few seconds. “Well, I’ve been toying with the idea of a self-folding laundry machine. Imagine throwing your clothes into a pile, and they magically fold themselves!”
Carl chuckled. “I’d invest in that without a doubt. No more folding laundry on lazy Sundays? Count me in!”
Lisa's voice came from the phone. “I’ll pass on that one, Frank. It might take over and fold everything in sight.”
Frank laughed. “You might be right, dear. Maybe I should stick to smaller inventions for now.”
After Frank and Lisa talked about how Lisa’s sister was recuperating after her knee replacement surgery, he disconnected the call.
Frank and Carl’s conversation continued on to baseball.
“How about those Os, Carl? They’re pretty exciting, though it’s early in the season.”
“They’re loaded, man! They’ll have to trade some guys!”
As they talked about baseball, Frank couldn’t help but think maybe one day he would stumble upon an invention that would surprise them all.
Author’s Note
I wrote this in response to a prompt that asked us to write no more than a 1000-word flash fiction piece using dialogue for at least 50% of the story. I cannot recall where I saw that prompt. If this jogs anyone’s memory, please let me know in the comments below, so I may give them a shout-out.
Upcoming…
A dark twist on some nursery rhymes:
Nursery Rhyme Riffs, 8 June 2024
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Quite the slice of life, Ms. Henry.