September/October Theme

The votes—all 101 of them—are in, and we have a tie! Therefore, we will be having two themed opportunities (and no un-themed one) this fall. Those winning themes are YARD SALE and HAUNT!

Thanks for everyone who voted! We can’t wait to see your haunting and salesy stories starting September 15!

Encore

We accidentally sent this drabble on Sunday, July 13 (yes, that was a mistake; Beehiiv decided you needed it early), but it was supposed to run today, and it’s so good, we’re happy to run it twice.

Gig Economy

By: Liz J. Bradley

“I’m a doctor. I’m here to help.” I’m not a doctor.

My screen displays the message: Repeat input, reassuring tone.

“I’m a doctor. I’m here to help.”

My father was a mechanic. He always said he got his hands dirty so I could keep mine clean. I’m not sure it worked.

Repeat input, confident tone.

“I’m a doctor. I’m here to help.”

My voice trains the robot doctors of tomorrow. What will happen to the human doctors?

Input accepted. Continue?

Not my problem. The fridge is empty today. I click the next task.

“Please remain calm. I’m here to help.”

© 2025. Liz J. Bradley

Liz J. Bradley grew up in a small town in Central New York but followed a career in the theatre that took her from the ocean to the tundra to the Eiffel Tower. You can find her online @lizjbradley.bsky.social.

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