Reading Time: 2 minutes

My suede pants are suffocating my buttocks.

The chair’s leather padding ensures that the sweat in the seat of my trousers fuses my skin to the uncomfortable fabric. I try to wriggle my cheeks free, but squirming is unbecoming of me right now.

The main culprit, the reason for my discomfort, is seated across from me behind a gigantic mahogany wood table. His name is Cal Murthy, and he is the dean of the university I have always dreamed of attending.

But dreams are not enough for securing a seat in such a prestigious institution. Years of studious devotion and single-minded focus make me a worthy candidate, a deserving brain and name to add to the student list.

My certificates and documents lay untouched in the black folder that has been pushed to one side. Carl Murthy’s interests lie not in my merits and grades but elsewhere. My application form rests beneath his palms.

He asks me the same question, only his words differ.

‘Are you really Suzy’s boy? She was quite a stunner.’

I shift in my seat. The moist leather emits a deep farting sound. I am more embarrassed by the man’s fixation.

‘Suzan Rodweinerheim Lobo is my mother. Yes, she is quite pretty.’

In silence, I swallow his insult. The man’s insinuations regarding my ugliness are abrasive.

‘But how do you know her?’

I squeak like a mouse. He chuckles and winks at me.

‘She and me go a long way back. More than buddies.’

I want to vomit, but it could ruin my chances of being selected. So I laugh like the funniest joke has been cracked. Mr. Murthy frowns upon it. His hand reaches for my folder.

‘522-5547. Suzan’s number. Just call her.’

I swap my mother for a confirmed admission. I am a die-hard opportunist.


She’s been scratching for weeks. The rash is getting worse. She wants to see a doctor. The Face On My Leg makes her change her decision.

Go on! Check out my Short Stories Books – Free on Kindle Unlimited
Woman's cracked abstract face with fire streaks
Two smiling potato faces on a couch on a
Shadow of vines on a brick wall

24 Comments on “A Die-Hard Opportunist – Flash Fiction Story

  1. Haha 😄 what a funny story
    Fascinated by the way you described the things going inside the head of every interviewee
    And of-course, wonderful finish

    • Thank you Mayank! This story is an amusing take on seizing every possible opportunity, no matter how weird it can be. 🙂

  2. Awesome ending. I hope mama can play along for some time till the boy has joined the university.

  3. Pimping mum out to gain admission into a prestigious university? What a cheeky tale you decided to share today. I can just picture you sweating over the details until you cracked the code of being able to deliver the story properly. My only hope is that the dean isn’t just farting around with an old flame and his reunion with mum is a positive one or it could have a dis-ass-trous effect on your protagonist’s educational future.

    Stop me before I pun again.

    • Lol! You are the king of puns, and in this case – buns. Have you considered puns as a distinct writing option. Your talent is superb and I doubt if one could surpass your caliber. It’s not easy to pun around with such grace ad poise. A true wordsmith.
      And yes, let’s hope Cal and Suzy can reignite an extinguished flame, or poor opportunist may have to take the blame.
      As always, many many thanks! 🙂

  4. I attempted to leave a comment, but I suspect Akismet viewed it as spam and didn’t want it stinking up the joint. I suppose I’ll need to work on my trashy humor. Probably for the best, anyway.

    Nice share, as always.

  5. Pingback: Rocky XOXO the Cobra - Short Story | It Ain't Right Till I Write

  6. Well, I am sure mom can take care of herself, ha, ha, ha. I guess it sums up to seizing the moment for your benefit!

    • The anthem of a true opportunist. I think mom might be more eager than him. Like mother, like son. Thanks Shobana!

It Ain't Right Till You Comment. Go Ahead!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

%d bloggers like this: