13.04.2026

In response to Melissa’s Fandango Flash Fiction Challenge: https://wp.me/pefeKf-4Ci

The image depicts a black and white cat lying in a bed attached to a window. Through the window, we see another building in the background. The cat is yawning, and appears to have its arms wrapped around a cup for tea.

The Art of Doing Absolutely Nothing

The city woke up in a hurry.

Cars argued. People rushed.
Windows blinked open like tired eyes pretending to care about the day ahead.

But not here.

Not on this ledge between inside and out,
where time softened and mornings stretched like lazy thoughts.

He had claimed his position early.

Perfect angle of sunlight.
Optimal cushion depth.
One paw—strategically placed—
around the warm cup as if he had personally brewed it.

The yawn came slowly, ceremoniously, like a declaration

I refuse to rush for anything.

Outside, someone checked their watch.

Inside, he closed his eyes.

There were things to consider—
important things.

The rhythm of breathing.
The exact temperature of comfort.
The philosophical weight of not caring at all.

The cup rested against him,
untouched,
yet essential.
Not for drinking—but for atmosphere.
For aesthetic.
For the undeniable illusion of productivity.

A human might call it laziness.

He called it mastery.

Of rest.
Of presence.
Of knowing that not every moment needs to be chased, fixed, or filled.

The city continued without him.

Deadlines, decisions, destinations.

He stretched one paw slightly tighter around the cup, sighed into the softness of his own existence, and let the world spin on without interruption.

#FFFC

— Maggie
The Afterlove Voice 💫

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8 responses to “Melissa’s flash fiction challenge #368”

  1. Melissa Lemay Avatar

    The rhythm of breathing.
    The exact temperature of comfort.
    The philosophical weight of not caring at all.

    Mastery indeed.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Maggie Avatar

      Thank you 💜. Your comment made my day, or should I say night.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. poetisatinta Avatar
    1. Maggie Avatar

      Thank you 💜

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Sadje Avatar

    Aww, such a lovely take Maggie

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Maggie Avatar

      Thank you Sadje 💜 ♥️. That made me so happy and touched to hear.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sadje Avatar

        You’re most welcome dear friend

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Maggie Avatar

        ♥️🙏♥️

        Liked by 1 person

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