SHORT STORIES

I mostly read out short stories and poems at spoken word gigs. Occasionally I find a novel chapter which is self-contained and suitable for reading. I've drafted a child's story recently about Grandma's Sweetshop and magic sweets but, at present, I'm having fun reading out my latest grown-up story: UNSUBSCRIBE. Anyone who's ever sworn at the unsubscribe process on some websites will associate with this theme. The story is not published anywhere yet but below is a taster. If you want to know how it ends, contact me on my contact page and I'll send you the rest. I can also send you the children's short story, Grandma's sweetshop. If the entire taster does not show, please click on the 'read more' button.

UNSUBSCRIBE

John had come to a decision. With his first year's membership at an end, he would unsubscribe from Excitingdates then join the new dating site friends had told him all about. It would only take a minute.

He logged in, turned to 'settings' and searched for 'unsubscribe.' There it was.

If you wish to unsubcribe, please choose the yellow button below.

Without hesitation. He clicked. Immediately another page flashed up.

We're sorry you are leaving us. Before you go, please help us understand why.

Choose at least one of the following statements, then click the yellow

unsubscribe button at the bottom of the page.

John sighed. They always asked things like this. It was a bind. He looked down the statements.

1. I've found my ideal partner

2. I haven't found my ideal partner

3. Members refuse to answer my messages

4. Membership fee is too high

5. My spouse refuses to get involved

6. Not enough features

7. Other

It didn't really matter which reason he chose, as long as he decided on at least one. This done, he clicked on the yellow button. Another page flashed up.

Thank you for providing us with information which will help improve our service.

Before we can usubscribe you, we would like to know how you identify. Please

tick at least one of the following.

I am:

1. Male

2. Female

3. Transgender

4. Gender Fluid

5. Heterosexual

6. Homosexual

7. Lesbian

8. Gay

9. Asexual

10. Bisexual

11. Metrosexual

13. Undecided

14. Other

John scratched his head. With a cheeky grin, he clicked 'Other.'