Those Unwanted, Ordinary Things

Drama Sad Science Fiction

Written in response to: "Start your story with the line: “Today is April 31.”" as part of From the Ashes with Michael McConnell.

04/31/28, 7:02 am

Conversation begun by American EyeWear Inc.

Text Message - 04/31/28, 7:02 am

Good morning, Aaron. Today is April 31, your last chance to get one purchase of Reynfair eyeglasses for 50% off storewide! Don’t wait on this substantial discount. Just type “Reynfair” into this conversation or call 656-999-0871 to claim your discount and schedule YOUR one-of-a-kind, personalized fitting appointment by today, for today. ***This is an automated text message.***

Delivered.

04/31/28, 8:12 am

Conversation deleted by Aaron Fort

Missed call - 04/31/28, 3:32 pm

Voicemail - 04/31/28, 3:32 pm

“Hi, this is Aaron. I’m probably on the other end of the line procrastinating picking up the phone, but since you’ve obviously taken the time to call me, I’ll try my best to return the favor by listening to your message. Just leave it after the beep. Ttyl!

***BEEP***

(Automated voice) “Hi, Aaron. Today is April 31, your last chance to get one purchase of Reynfair eyeglasses for 50% off storewide! We’ve noticed that you are hesitant to schedule an appointment. Don’t be! Our stores offer the best quality service to personalize YOUR eyeglass selection to your specific needs. Don’t miss this discount opportunity. Text “Reynfair” to 16001 or call 656-999-0871 to claim your prize!”

04/31/28, 4:01 pm

Conversation begun by American EyeWear Inc.

Text Message - 04/31/28, 4:01 pm

Hello, Aaron. You only have ONE hour left to claim your price of 50% off Reynfair eyeglasses and schedule YOUR one-of-a-kind, personalized fitting appointment by today, for today. We hope we won’t miss your visit. Just type “Reynfair” into this conversation or call 656-999-0871. ***This is an automated text message.***

Delivered.

Text message - 05/24/28, 2:24 pm

Reynfair

Delivered.

Text message - 05/24/28, 2:26 pm

Hello, Aaron. We are so glad you chose American EyeGlass Inc.! We strive to make every eyeglass fitting a one-of-a-kind, personalized experience for each and every one of our customers. To begin scheduling YOUR fitting and claim your discount, please type your account # and address into this conversation. ***This is an automated text message.***

Message Read.

Text message - 05/24/28, 2:29 pm

Oh my gosh, it worked

Delivered.

Text message - 05/24/28, 2:31 pm

I can’t believe it worked

Delivered.

Text message - 05/24/28, 2:33 pm

I’m sorry. I do not understand. That is probably my fault. Please type your account # and address into this conversation. ***This is an automated text message.***

Message Read.

Text message - 05/24/28, 2:34 pm

Idk it

Delivered.

Text message - 05/24/28, 2:35 pm

That’s ok. I can help. Please text your first and last name and date of birth. ***This is an automated text message.***

Delivered.

Text message - 05/24/28, 2:37 pm

Aaron Fort

Delivered.

Text message - 05/24/28, 2:37 pm

02/15/2008

Delivered.

Text message - 05/24/28, 2:37 pm

Not that it matters any

Delivered.

Text message - 05/24/28, 2:40 pm

Thank you for the information, Aaron. It looks like your account was suspended on April 31, 2028. But no worries. We can still set you up a fitting appointment and claim your discount. Would you like to set up a new account? ***This is an automated text message.***

Message Read.

Text message - 05/24/28, 2:41 pm

How long would that take?

Delivered.

Text message - 05/24/28, 2:42 pm

Setting up an account is an easy process. Would you like to set up a new account? ***This is an automated text message.***

Message Read.

Text message - 05/24/28, 2:42 pm

Um, not today. I don’t wanna waste the whole conversation now, ngl. I’ll keep in touch.

Delivered.

Text message - 05/24/28, 2:42 pm

I’m losing it lol

Delivered.

Text message - 05/24/28, 2:44 pm

Ok, sorry to hear it. Making an account would help scheduling be easier AND enable you to stay on top of our best prices. Would you still like to continue making your appointment? You only have ONE hour left to claim your discount and schedule your fitting appointment. ***This is an automated text message.***

Message Read.

Text message - 05/24/28, 2:44 pm

Lol. “Sorry to hear it”

Delivered.

Text message - 05/24/28, 2:44 pm

HAHAHA

Delivered.

Text message - 05/24/28, 2:45 pm

I’m sorry. I don’t understand. That is probably my fault. Would you still like to continue making your appointment? You only have ONE hour left to claim your discount and schedule your fitting appointment. ***This is an automated text message.***

Message Unread

No reply.

Text message - 05/29/28, 11:14 am

Hey I’m ready to make an account now

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 11:15 am

Happy to hear it! This will only take a minute. Please text the name of your current eyecare professional. ***This is an automated text message.***

Message Read.

Text message - 05/29/28, 11:16 am

Right. Lemme think

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 11:17 am

A good name for an eye doctor?

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 11:17 am

Ummmmm

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 11:18 am

HAHAHAHA

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 11:18 am

Levi. Levi Schwartz

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 11:20 am

Thank you for the information, Aaron. Now, please text your current address so I can find the nearest American EyeWear store located by you. ***This is an automated text message.***

Message Read.

Text message - 05/29/28, 11:21 am

Wait that actually went through?

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 11:21 am

Ur recording this stuff, fr?

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 11:21 am

Man, u bots had some intense programming

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 11:23 am

I’m sorry. I don’t understand. That is probably my fault. Thank you for your patience. Please text your current address so I can find the nearest American EyeWear store located by you. ***This is an automated text message.***

Message Read.

Text message - 05/29/28, 11:23 am

Right

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 11:23 am

Ummm

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 11:23 am

That’s gonna be a little difficult, cause u see…

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 11:23 am

There aint a lot of those around anymore

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 11:25 am

How bout 458 Fernfield Drive, Joneson, NY, 11390?

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 11:25 am

That’s where I grew up

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 11:26 am

Thank you for the information, Aaron. That’s all I need. I will process this. Please wait for an account number to be sent to you on this text conversation. It should only take a moment. Thank you for your patience. ***This is an automated text message.***

Message Read.

Text message - 05/29/28, 11:29 am

So polite

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 11:29 am

Can I call u Tricia?

Delivered

No reply.

Text message - 05/30/28, 7:05 am

Hi, Aaron. That took a little longer than expected. We are so sorry for the delay. Your account is processed and ready to book your appointment and claim your discount. Thankfully, you still have ONE hour left. Your account # is 7788910. Would you like to continue making a fitting appointment? ***This is an automated text message.***

Delivered

Text message - 05/30/28, 7:05 am

OH MY GOSH, Tricia!!!

Delivered

Text message - 05/30/28, 7:05 am

I THOUGHT U WERENT COMING BACK!!!

Delivered

Text message - 05/30/28, 7:05 am

Thank God

Delivered

Text message - 05/30/28, 7:05 am

Thank God

Delivered

Text message - 05/30/28, 7:05 am

I

Delivered

Text message - 05/30/28, 7:05 am

I cant even tell u how thankful I am

Delivered

Text message - 05/30/28, 7:06 am

Yes, I wanna continue making my appointment

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 7:07 am

Happy to hear it! This will only take a minute. The nearest American EyeWear store to you is 680 Extravagant Plaza, Norman, NY. Is this store where you would like to book a fitting appointment for today? ***This is an automated text message.***

Delivered

Text message - 05/30/28, 7:08 am

Seeing how none of them actually exist anymore, sure, why not?

Delivered

Text message - 05/30/28, 7:09 am

That goes to say, the buildings do. Just not…

Delivered

Text message - 05/30/28, 7:06 am

U know.

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 7:07 am

Great! Here are the available eyewear fitters working today: Andy McCowren, Lauren Hummel, India Norman, Patrick Seviel. Do you have a preference which fitter you would like to see in your fitting appointment? ***This is an automated text message.***

Message Read

Text message - 05/30/28, 7:12 am

Wait

Delivered

Text message - 05/30/28, 7:12 am

Lauren works – worked - there?

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 7:07 am

Is Lauren Hummel who you would like to see today? ***This is an automated text message.***

Delivered

No reply

Text message - 05/29/28, 6:28 pm

Sorry it took me so long to respon, Tricia.

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 6:28 pm

I needed some time, u know?

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 6:31 pm

I went to the grocery store today. Grabbed a loaf of bread and a saltine cracker packet or two. I still left money on the counter. I know it’s ridiculous. It just doesn’t feel right not to

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 6:31 pm

Mom always said I was too honest for my own good

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 6:32 pm

I’m sorry. I don’t understand. That’s probably my fault. Is Lauren Hummel who you would like to see today? ***This is an automated text message.***

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 6:33 pm

I know u don’t. I barely do, anymore

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 6:33 pm

Nvm

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 6:34 pm

Not her. Anyone but her

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 6:36 pm

Ok. No problem. Here are the available eyewear fitters working today: Andy McCowren, Lauren Hummel, India Norman, Patrick Seviel. Do you have a preference which fitter you would like to see in your fitting appointment? ***This is an automated text message.***

Message Read

Text message - 05/29/28, 6:37 pm

Andy sounds nice

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 6:38 pm

Is Andy McCowren who you would like to see today? ***This is an automated text message.***

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 6:38 pm

Yes, Tricia

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 6:39 pm

I’m sorry. “Tricia” does not work at this American EyeWear store location. Please enter the name of the EyeWear fitter you would like to see today. ***This is an automated text message.***

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 6:39 pm

NO

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 6:39 pm

UR TRICIA

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 6:40 pm

U know what forget it

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 6:40 pm

Ttyl

Delivered

Text message - 05/29/28, 6:32 pm

I’m sorry you have decided not to make an appointment with American EyeWear Inc., Aaron. Is there something we did wrong? Hopefully, we will be seeing you at a fitting appointment soon. Unfortunately, the ONE hour for your 50% off all Reynica eyeglasses has expired. To keep receiving these automated discount advertisements, please text “discounts” to 16002. Have a wonderful rest of your day! ***This is an automated text message.***

Message Read.

Text message - 05/29/28, 6:32 pm

WAIT TRICIA NO

<Message Not Delivered>

Text message - 05/29/28, 6:32 pm

PLSDONT TURN OFF I DIDNT MEANTHAT

<Message Not Delivered>

Text message - 05/29/28, 6:34 pm

PLEASE TRICIAA

<Message Not Delivered>

No reply

Unavailable call - 05/31/28, 6:00 am

***BEEP****

(Automated voice) I’m sorry. 656-999-0871 does not exist. Please try a different number.

***BEEP***

Text message - 05/31/28, 6:15 am

Hey, Tricia

<Message Not Delivered>

Text message - 05/31/28, 6:15 am

Tried calling u.

<Message Not Delivered>

Text message - 05/31/28, 6:15 am

Just to chat, u know

<Message Not Delivered>

Text message - 05/31/28, 6:18 am

It’s our one month anniversary

<Message Not Delivered>

Text message - 05/31/28, 6:18 am

I’m sorry I got angry with u

<Message Not Delivered>

Text message - 05/31/28, 6:19 am

I really need u back

<Message Not Delivered>

Text message - 05/31/28, 6:20 am

Ur all I have to talk to. I know ur not real and everything. But u actually responded

<Message Not Delivered>

Text message - 05/31/28, 6:22 am

I used to think that the worst thing in life was u automated messages. Just one of those super unwanted, ordinary things that bugged me to death

<Message Not Delivered>

Text message - 05/31/28, 6:23 am

Just like how I also used to think seeing the same faces everyday was a total waste of time. I would’ve traded my life then for my life now anyday. Filled buildings with the same people I saw everyday to empty buildings with no one to bother me

<Message Not Delivered>

Text message - 05/31/28, 6:23 am

Stupid

<Message Not Delivered>

Text message - 05/31/28, 6:23 am

Now all I have is those empty buildings

<Message Not Delivered>

Text message - 05/31/28, 6:23 am

And me

<Message Not Delivered>

Text message - 05/31/28, 6:24 am

I wish I had enjoyed them all more

<Message Not Delivered>

Text message - 05/31/28, 6:25 am

I thought that the everyday things were a droll, boring, mundane, that life was about those big moments you chase after

<Message Not Delivered>

Text message - 05/31/28, 6:25 am

U know like college graduation, getting married, retiring

<Message Not Delivered>

Text message - 05/31/28, 6:25 am

How could I think that?

<Message Not Delivered>

Text message - 05/31/28, 6:26 am

I’m alone. And there’s no big moments to fill the gap that I realize I’ve always had

<Message Not Delivered>

Text message - 05/31/28, 6:26 am

The gap that I can’t fill

<Message Not Delivered>

Text message - 05/31/28, 6:27 am

Pls just talk back

<Message Not Delivered>

No reply

06/01/28, 12:00 pm

Conversation begun by (1-800) Life

Text Message - 06/01/28, 12:00 pm

Good morning. Today is April 31, are you feeling lonely? Forgotten? There is hope. Sometimes we can’t figure out why we get stuck in the seasons we find ourselves in. Thankfully, we don’t need to change our circumstances to change our perspective within them. There’s Someone who can fill your emptiness. Just text “Hope” into this text conversation. ***This is an automated text message.***

Delivered.

06/01/28, 12:15 pm

Message Read

Text Message - 06/01/28, 12:20 pm

Hope

Delivered

Posted Apr 09, 2026
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