It had become a struggle to get up during the pandemic.
Working from home was unconstrained; isolation was suffocating.
Lack of human contact was wearing her down.
After weeks of online conversations, she accepted an invitation to meet Marco at The Cellar.
It’s crowded; music’s loud.
Look for the guy wearing a red shirt.
Strobe lights glanced across his face when I spotted him.
He was tipsy, not a great first impression, but handsome.
Her instincts quickly kicked in when he touched her thigh.
As planned, her lifeline phone call rings.
Amanda?
I’ll be right there.
Sorry, emergency, gotta go.
2021©Isadora DeLaVega
Genre: Flash Fiction
Word Count: 100 words
Photo Prompt:©AnneHiga
To join Rochelle in her photo writing challenges
and her Friday Fictioneers – click here
Inside the Mind of Isadora 
April 18, 2021 at 9:23 pm
Nicely done. Lonely but not desperate.
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April 19, 2021 at 1:10 pm
Yes, being lonely is no reason to put yourself in danger. Glad you stopped by and commented. Thank you … Be Safe … 😷 Isadora 😎
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April 18, 2021 at 8:31 pm
Always smart to have a lifeline 🙂
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April 19, 2021 at 1:17 pm
I suppose that’s the way it is now-a-days.
I’m happy I’m from another generation that didn’t have to have a lifeline. Thank you, Linda. Have a pleasant week … Be Safe 🙏🏻 Isadora 😎
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April 19, 2021 at 2:39 pm
You’re right. Back when I was dating, blind dates were usually set up by someone you knew, and they were not done on your own. You were always with other people.
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April 19, 2021 at 4:46 pm
When I dated my hubby – way back when (56 years ago) I was chaperoned when we went out on dates. WOW … that’s a concept.
~~~ : – )
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April 19, 2021 at 5:24 pm
No chaperones, as such, for me–but “group dating” was mandated by my parents for a time.
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April 18, 2021 at 3:02 pm
Always have that backup plan!!
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April 19, 2021 at 1:17 pm
During this new style of dating, I suppose its necessary. Thanks, Dale.
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April 19, 2021 at 1:21 pm
Yeah, no kidding. I was never smart enough to have such a plan. Course, I didn’t necessarily advertise I was dating thusly 😉
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April 19, 2021 at 1:29 pm
For those in the dating world, I think the romance of discovering the others person fully is lost in caution. Of course, I speak not from experience, only from my daughter’s info. It’s a new world in so many ways. Are we to go back to when families set up daughters with mates? YIKES …!!! LOL My daughter’s would roll their eyes and walk away mumbling. LOL
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April 19, 2021 at 3:37 pm
Isadora, it ain’t fun to be dating in your 50’s, that’s all I can say. Never mind during a pandemic! For far too many, they ain’t got time for romance! It’s ugly out there.
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April 19, 2021 at 4:44 pm
I’m sssoooo sorry about the dating world you’re in the midst of. I suppose that’s why so many have resorted to enjoying a new found shelter friend. The world is scary. Just remember you’re a vibrant beautiful 50 something. 🤗🤗🤗😍😍😎
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April 18, 2021 at 11:37 am
Querida Isadora,
Good for her that she had an escape plan. Buen escrita mi amiga…como siempre.
Shalom y abrazos,
Rochelle
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April 19, 2021 at 1:19 pm
Querida Rochelle,
It’s a new type of dating scene now-a-days. Foreign to me but can see the necessity with online dating. Gracias por sus buenas palabras. Be Safe … 😷 😊
Abrazos y Carino,
Isadora 😎
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April 17, 2021 at 9:13 pm
Those pre-planned escapes work so well! Great ending!
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April 19, 2021 at 1:20 pm
These are unique times in so many ways including dating. Thank you for reading and commenting, Susan. Be Safe … 😷
Isadora 😎
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April 17, 2021 at 9:07 pm
A well-planned escape! She might have been stir-crazy after the year that’s just happened, but she still had her wits about her. Great piece.
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April 19, 2021 at 1:23 pm
Yes, one has to believe instincts are important to take seriously during these unusual dating times. I’m pleased you enjoyed my story. Thank you, Jenne, for visiting and commenting. Be Safe … 😷 😊
Isadora 😎
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April 17, 2021 at 9:12 am
I’m thinking she may have learned from experience! The great escape.
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April 19, 2021 at 1:41 pm
Or perhaps, woman now-a-days advise each other on internet dating caution. It’s a whole new world even on the dating scene. Thanks, Keith. Be Safe … 😷 😊 Isadora 😎
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April 17, 2021 at 4:25 am
It’s kind of a worry to think how anti-social the world might be after the pandemic. Collectively will people know how to interact civilly? Thought provoking story.
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April 19, 2021 at 1:52 pm
Honestly, socialization will be an entirely different style, and not necessarily a positive one. People are beginning to feel comfortable being alone. They’re enjoying the lack of commitments or of dressing and grooming that staying at home allows. Eventually, we’ll be screen friends without the sense of touch playing a part. People will zombie stare, since they’re constantly staring at tiny screens. I hope this is the beginning of the end. Perish the thought … Thank you, Tannille, for stopping by and commenting. Be Safe … 😷 🙏🏻 😊 Isadora 😎
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April 21, 2021 at 4:34 am
Ugh, if social media becomes the only way we interact, we have serious problems. A lot of people are nastier online.
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April 21, 2021 at 5:36 pm
Yes, being incognito online does make some bold. The mystery will unfold in time. 😑
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April 17, 2021 at 3:22 am
Always good to have a backup plan when meeting a stranger. Cell phones make the world a safer place.
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April 19, 2021 at 1:54 pm
Yes, cell phones do have a good side to them. Young woman need to be supportive of each other, since dating now-a-days is very different. Thanks for popping by … Be Safe … 😷 😊 Isadora 😎
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April 19, 2021 at 4:43 pm
You’re very welcome, Isadora and you be safe also.
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April 17, 2021 at 2:33 am
Perfect escape!
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April 19, 2021 at 1:56 pm
A wise escape she had preplanned which was very smart on her part. One can’t know what is out there in the www. Thank you, Dora.
Be Safe … 😷 🙏🏻 😊 Isadora 😎
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April 16, 2021 at 7:09 pm
I don’t imagine he’s the sort of human contact that she craved. The isolation is grinding people down, but it’s good to stay wise and safe. A very clever and unique take on the prompt, Isadora. Take care!!
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April 16, 2021 at 4:26 pm
It’s always good to have a plan of escape. The first red flag was his tipsiness.
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April 16, 2021 at 8:17 am
A well planned escape, what a let down after a year of suffering – there are some things worse than being lonely.
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April 16, 2021 at 1:52 pm
I believe you’re right, Iain. Sometimes, being alone is ok just needs a bit of an adjustment.
Thanks …
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April 16, 2021 at 1:19 am
isn’t she smart? well done. 🙂
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April 16, 2021 at 1:52 pm
A woman should always listen to her instincts. Thanks for reading …
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April 15, 2021 at 10:51 pm
Those instincts can be a lifesaver. They can also be the result of a lack of human contact for that past year+. I have a feeling her instincts were right this time.
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April 16, 2021 at 1:56 pm
YUP … a woman should always follow her instincts. We got them for a reason. Thanks …
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April 15, 2021 at 10:08 pm
Great plan to get out of an awkward situation. I love her courage and her ingenuity. You built a really likeable character and story in so few words. Well done.
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April 16, 2021 at 1:59 pm
I think in this new world of online dating, a backup plan needs to be in place. Her instincts kicked in right on time. Glad you enjoyed … thanks
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April 15, 2021 at 9:06 pm
A normal emergency within the abnormal pandemic. Nicely done
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April 16, 2021 at 2:01 pm
So true … thanks, Neil.
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April 15, 2021 at 8:42 pm
Had a life line phone call save me a time or two, too. We all need those calls in our lives. Even if it’s just setting an alarm on your phone and answering it like it’s a real call. Whatever works, eh!
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April 16, 2021 at 2:03 pm
In these uncertain times of online dating, I think a backup plan is more then necessary. He was an idot just by being tipsy when she arrived. Clue: run. Thanks, Bear. It’s always a pleasure to read you comments. HAve a wonderful weekend …Isadora 😎
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