The Spy Across The Street - Snack Size Fiction

Give the perfect gift. Personalized stories from just $129.

The Spy Across The Street

Penny's life revolves around the comings and goings of the tailor shop across the street. When her movements are discovered, everything will change.

Penny’s binoculars are heavy this morning. She lifts them to her eyes as her wrists creak in protest. The plush leather couches encircling the pedestal in the middle of the tailor’s shop across the street look even more inviting this morning than on mornings past, and her achy bones signal a storm is coming. Before she can ponder this, the tailor appears. 

He slides his key into the lock, and Penny watches as he checks over his shoulder. First right, then left. He never looks up. He never sees her. And, just like every other morning, when he sees the coast is clear, he turns the key, opens the door, steps inside, and turns the sign on the door from closed to open. She makes a mark in her notebook. 

Her tea kettle whistles. The tailor’s first appointment isn’t due for another few minutes, so Penny sets her binoculars down and shuffles toward the kitchen. She pulls some honey out of her Lazy Susan and shakes the last drop free. She’ll call Betty downstairs and see if she’ll send some up in the dumbwaiter. She sighs, Betty’s protests already echoing in her ears. “I hate that pulley system, Penny. You could just come shopping with me. You need to get out of that apartment.”

No, she needed to stay in the apartment.

Her steaming mug between her hands, she resumes her post, falling into the cushioned armchair she’d pulled over to the window. 

The tailor is just finishing up his daily straightening of the shop. He doesn’t like anything out of place. His first customer will be on time. He always is. And, sure enough, as her watch beeps nine, he pushes the door open.

Ope! Looks like you don't have access to this story. Already a member? Simply log in. Not yet a member? No problem. You can get access to tons of stories for FREE by registering here.

Other stories you might like...

The Problem With Humans

Posted in ,

While Anton hunts for his missing daughter, tensions that have been slowly building come to a head around him.

Read the Story

The Last Mermaid

Posted in ,

When his life’s work observing and recording the underwater activity of Merpeople has unintended consequences, Rich Easter just wants to live out the consequences of his actions in solitude. But a final job may offer a chance for redemption.

Read the Story

A Birthday

Posted in ,

Will a sobering birthday celebration be the first step on the road to redemption?

Read the Story

Allison Spooner

Allison Spooner brings worlds, characters, and stories to life in as few words as possible. In the last two years, she's published two books of short fiction; Flash in the Dark: A Collection of Flash Fiction and The Problem With Humans: And Other Stories. Allison’s writing crosses genres and has been compared to The Twilight Zone and Harlon Ellison.

Leave a Comment

Unlimited Stories. Digital Versions of Allison's Books. Forever. Just $19.99