At What Price?

Jed looked at his work order and compared the street address. He grabbed his tools and sauntered up the stone walkway. Overgrown shrubs encroached upon it. He had to turn sideways to get through. The gray- boarded house stood like a monument of times’ past. Many of the boards had severe water damage, and had slid down revealing the original logs.

He knocked on the front door, and waited. The porch had several unpainted boards collapsing from termite damage. He looked down. Will this thing even hold my weight? The silent door swung open and a man about forty stood there.

“May I help you?” He asked.

“You asked for internet service?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

“Your name sir?”

“Aiden Ramsey. You must excuse me. I live alone and the place is a mess.”

Alone? This place is a dump. “I’ll hook up outside and bring in the modem in a few minutes. Jed wandered to the side and attached the junction box. He heard Aiden’s voice floating from the window above.

“Yes, the elixir of life.” Jed heard Aiden chug down some liquid.

Jed finished up and again knocked on the door. Aiden answered once more. Jed looked at him. He seemed younger.

“Sorry. I forgot the modem at the shop. Will you be in town later?”

“No. I never leave here.”

“Never?”

“Never.”

“Shut in?”

“Not exactly. I am a prisoner.”

“I’m game. Why’s that?”

“I can’t leave the fountain.”

“Fountain?” Jed asked.

“This house was built around the fountain of youth. Whomever drinks and strays from its power any more than a hundred feet will revert to their true age. That would mean death for me.” Aiden closed the door.

Why do I get the nut jobs? Oh, well. Next work order.

Jed strolled back to his truck.


300 Words
Flash Story Must contain: Game, Silent, Street