for Foto Flash Fiction which is hosted by Donna B McNicol
“You are such a pessimist Brian,” said John, “ ‘We’re doomed, we’re doomed’ is all you say!”
A crowd of us were sitting around, drinks in hand, wondering what, if anything, would happen in a few minutes time. There had been a lot of speculation in the media about this, that and the other. Landlord Ted had kept the pub open later than usual in readiness for the big event.
“If’s Brian’s right, there’s no way I’ll get into trouble for serving drinks after-hours!” he chuckled “We won’t be here!”
“You can laugh,” said Brian, jumping to his feet. “The government hasn’t prepared us for what’s about to happen. Where are the soldiers, where are the peace-keeping forces, what about emergency supplies?”
He thumped the table sending John’s tankard of beer flying to the floor. “There’ll be riots and worse, mark my words”.
“There will be if you don’t get me another pint” shouted John.
“Calm down guys” pleaded Ted. He handed out a few candles, just in case, and switched on the television he’d placed on the bartop.
“You did back up your computer didn’t you?” asked Brian. “You know it’s going down soon don’t you?”
“Yes, Brian, I did, now don’t you worry”.
The TV was broadcasting a firework display. Music boomed, people were seen dancing, singing.
“Look at them, just look!” shouted Brian. “Idiots, all of them”.
“Shoosh,” said Ted, “It’s the countdown”.
Everyone but Brian raised their glasses.
“Ten, nine, eight, seven, six…”
Brian covered his eyes.
“Four, three, two…”
Brian shouted “NO!”
“One….”
The lights stayed on, so did the television, so did the computer. The world hadn’t ended!
“Welcome to the year two thousand” yelled Ted. “The drinks are on me. Brian mate, you look like you need one!”
Photo Source: https://morguefile.com/p/984414
I well remember those days. I did a fund raiser for a local charity. I had pencils made that said: This pencil is Y2K compliant “. They sold like hotcakes.
Brilliant, I bet they did!
Ah yes! Back in the good old days. I think of that Y2K dread sometimes when doing banking stuff, as the whole monetary system was supposed to crash.
It was and it didn’t! Cheers Christine.
I really like your new “nameplate”!
Thank you Christine!
Gave me a big laugh…I was in charge of the Y2K team (software development) for our company. Talk about anti-climatic. Thanks, Keith.
It certainly was! We almost hoped something would go wrong!
Heeheehee! It was the most disappointing armageddon ever, until the Maya calendar thing.
It was! I was a pub landlord then and my story is based on the people and what actually happened in my pub that night!
Nice interesting story! Keep it up! <3 🙂
I certainly shall! Thanks so much.
Your story took me back in time Keith.
Seems like only yesterday – where do the years go?