The End of Civilisation by Celia Branch

‘Good morning, Siren Enquiries … 

Yes, madam.... 

No, madam… 

Yes, I do appreciate that it seems barbaric… 

We have tried to be accommodating… 

No, it’s in line with national guidelines… 

But I must stress that these limitations stem from the global tea shortage…  

You will appreciate, we need to manage stock levels until the crops pick up… 

Yes, I’d suggest putting the kettle on now, before the next siren.…

.....

Madam? Madam? Are you all right? That was rather a cracking bang… 

Ah…. 

Oh dear… 

Yes, I agree, that is shockingly bad timing for a power cut.’

Call terminated at 06.01.

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#FLASHFICTION101 SEPTEMBER 2020 SHORTLISTED ENTRY