Save the date

Our next submission opening will be September 15 to October 15, and we are looking for our next theme for it. We’ve done RUN and TRAIN.

If you have a suggestion, send it our way via social media or reply to this email. We’d prefer a theme with multiple possible interpretations, but we’re open to any ideas.

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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