The Forgotten Device

Flash Fiction | Sci-Fi & Horror

Photo by Eirik Solheim on Unsplash

Malcolm was going old school. He was finally going to outrun the algorithm. He had grown tired of it and its propensity to remember every piece of entertainment he consumed and regurgitating more of the same.

He wanted something that would forget. He was taking back control.

Finding his old, 'dumb' phone, he felt happier already. The phone felt lighter in his hand, unburdened. Disconnected from the World Wide Web of lies and loops.

The phone vibrated; a notification. A voicemail was waiting for him.

"Welcome back Malcolm. Did you think you could outrun me that easily?"

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Happy Monday - this is a touch of the macabre and it’s been a while since I've written something for

Macabre Monday

so I hope those who find it via this publication enjoy! I didn’t have to think long and hard about this story - I too am getting slightly tired of the entertainment algorithm on the various apps revolving the same content whilst simultaneously being caught in its loop. I am purposefully trying to spend less time using my phone in order to better spend the time elsewhere; whether that’s writing, reading or (most importantly) being present and spending time with my wife and son. Also, constant use of a mobile phone for everything is starting to hurt my thumbs 🤣 Anyway, I hope you enjoy this little spooky sci-fi. To subscribers old and new, I thank you for being here and reading my stories. It’s what keeps the stories coming so thank you.