Alfie Twitch

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Alfie Twitch is always switched on, never offline. Out-of-office makes him sick. Alfie Twitch is always moving, always manoeuvring, invades personal space, is handsy, your best friend, really wants to hear about your weekend. Alfie Twitch doesnโ€™t know your name.

Nothing is ever a problem for Alfie Twitch, many fingers in many pies, checking his phone when itโ€™s a different tone. Alfie Twitch is vital, connected, there for you, fucks up, absolutely, I completely agree.

But Alfie Twitch is struggling. Heโ€™s not had an idea for a month and management are getting, well, twitchy.

The client wants to quadruple its income from merchandise. Last year they sold 1.2 million Silly Schnoz toys – little foam toys for kids to put on their nose. We could up the price. No.

Then, on the train, it happens, the pooling of inspiration. He takes off his cap, and scratches his head, as he does when things get serious.

This year, theyโ€™ll make a whole range of different characters, make them cute, the kids will love them. But hereโ€™s the brilliant bit. Sealed bags, itโ€™s pot luck which one they get. Kids will demand the whole set, but parents will have no way of knowing whatโ€™s inside, so they have to keep buying. Itโ€™s cynical, bordering on a scam, but itโ€™s fine, itโ€™s for charity, and who is going to get uppity about giving money to kids with no arms?

Alfie Twitch calls the the office. Heโ€™s back in the game.

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26 responses to “Alfie Twitch”

  1. MRivers

    Great pacing on this one. Really liked it!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you! I’ve had Alfie Twitch sitting on my hard drive for a while but not found a use for him ๐Ÿ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Ha! So much cynicism enters marketing – even to kids – and every parent can identify with this scenario, Ben. Can’t think of how many times I’ve stood in a shop, feeling the pouches of Lego mini figures, trying to work out if it’s a female tennis player (NO!) or a minotaur with an axe (YES!) Nicely done ๐Ÿ™‚

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks Lynn. In fact, as I type I’m waiting in line at Legoland with son No 2, with the inevitable shop at the end to come!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Ha! Really? We took our Lego obsessive there a few years ago. He loved it so much – better than Disneyland for him any day. Enjoy your day ๐Ÿ™‚

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      2. Yeah, we have an annual pass so we’re always kicking around here ๐Ÿ™‚

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Ah, my son would have given his Matchbox car collection for one of those a few years ago. Sadly now he’s older such loves are giving way to other obsessions.

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Mandie Hines

    I really enjoyed your first line — Twitched and switched. This was a fun story to read, Ben.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Mandie. I might play some more with Alfie. He’s very clear in my head ๐Ÿ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Reblogged this on Word Shamble and commented:
    I’ve only recently discovered Ben at Just Punch the Clock, but I love his writing. It’s always sharp, poignant and well observed. So I thought I’d share one of his creations with you – the obnoxious Alfie Twitch. Ben has written more on Alfie so why not pop along and spend some time in his company.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you so much Lynn. Really appreciate it. I’ve only been here a short time but the WordPress community is so supportive. Have a great weekend ๐Ÿ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

      1. My pleasure Ben – love your writing . I’ve been blogging for a couple of years and found them terrifically supportive too. A pleasant virtual place to be ๐Ÿ™‚

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi Ben — I came over on Lynn’s recommendation, and am glad I did. Thanks Lynn!

      Adding to the earlier Lego conversation, by way of introduction: I’m the kind of person who went to Legoland (the real one, in Denmark, not the one here in CA) as an adult, with no kids in tow, just for fun. And it was great!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Haha! Love that you went to Legoland. We went to the one in the UK a few years ago and my son will be forever grateful to us! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Big fan of people doing kids stuff without the kids. Why should they have all the fun?!

        Liked by 1 person

      3. I agree! Sometimes I borrow my friends’ kids, though, just to blend in; like the movie nights in the park in my neighborhood when they show things like the Lego Movie, or Zootopia.

        Liked by 1 person

  5. The pacing on this is great. I especially liked the first paragraph and how it ended: pow! Such a clearly painted portrait of this character, and what drives him, and what it must be like to work with him — well done!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Joy! That means a lot ๐Ÿ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

  6. […] 1 – Alfie Twitch Part 2 – Making a Killing Part 3 – Purple Daubs of […]

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  7. Eccentric Muse

    This was fun to read! Brillant writing, Ben!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Eccentric Muse

      **Brilliant

      Like

    2. Thank you so much!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Eccentric Muse

        You’re most welcome.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Reetta P

    I only just found your site, but already your blog is my favourite thing to read in the mornings!! Fabulous fiction: so fun to read.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Crikey, thank you so much Reetta! What a lovely message to wake up to ๐Ÿ™‚

      Liked by 1 person

  9. […] 1 – Alfie Twitch 2 – Making a Killing 3 – Purple Daubs of Cloud 4 – Bland, Blind Acceptance […]

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