3223. Ena drives to work © Bruce Goodman 2 June 2025

The usually busy highway was almost empty. Ena thought it strange as she drove to work at her customary hour. There were a few vehicles heading this way and that at 4.30 in the morning, but nothing like the traffic flow there usually was at that time of early morning. She had slept in a little, but not too much. She had rushed dressing and breakfast and was on the road at her usual time. She worked as a receptionist at a textile mill. Although the mill operated for twenty-four hours, seven days a week, the office was open only on the week days. It was Ena’s first task of the day to open the office doors. She unlocked, turned on the computer, turned on the kettle, and began the day’s work. No one turned up. The place was dead. Ena turned on the radio. Perhaps there had been some tragic event, or some catastrophic announcement. The News came on. There was nothing startling mentioned. The News was followed by a selection of Sunday hymns. Contact Author Back to Index Next Story Previous Story