Fatigued, Jessica lent on the counter yet still she smiled as though they were the centre of her world. She had the same conversations with different people all day, every day; their families, their hopes and dreams, the weather. The weather loomed large but it was so boring. Everything was boring. They didn’t suspect. They talked at her, thinking she cared. Her genuine, eye crinkling smiles made them think they’d made her day.
She’d had an authentic smile this morning when she overheard, “When we drop into the shop it brightens Jessica up.” Yes her performance was very good.
In response to Charli’s prompt where she asks:
December 7, 2017 prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write that features a performance. You can interpret what is a performance any way the prompt leads you.
Respond by December 12, 2017 to be included in the compilation (published December 13). Rules are here. All writers are welcome!
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About Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist
I began my working career as a reluctant potato peeler whilst waiting to commence my training as a student nurse. On completion I worked mainly in intensive care/coronary care; finishing my hospital career as clinical nurse educator in intensive care. A life changing period as a resort owner/manager on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu was followed by recovery time as a farmer at Bucca Wauka. Having discovered I was no farmer and vowing never again to own an animal bigger than myself I took on the Barrington General Store. Here we also ran a five star restaurant. Working the shop of a day 7am - 6pm followed by the restaurant until late was surprisingly more stressful than Tanna. On the sale we decided to retire and renovate our house with the help of a builder friend. Now believing we knew everything about building we set to constructing our own house. Just finished a coal mine decided to set up in our backyard. Definitely time to retire we moved to Queensland. I had been writing a manuscript for some time. In the desire to complete this I enrolled in a post grad certificate in creative Industries which I completed 2013. I followed this by doing a Master of Arts by research graduating in 2017. Now I live to write and write to live.
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
That is the worst kind of tired. I hope she truly does get a smile somewhere in her day.
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I’m sure she does. Thanks D.
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Jessica is one of the unsung heroes.
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Yes although it is funny they run courses in how to give good customer service – I would have thought it common sense but apparently not.
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I think we all feel like this about our clients from time to time. Great piece.
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Thanks Robbie
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You had me salivating at ham, but lost me on the chicken feet! 😀
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And if this seems like a weird comment — I thought I was commenting on your textures photos, lol! Let me try this again…
Definitely! Your flash captures the every da masks we wear and the show we put on for work. Jessica does a good job performing.
Now to tell you about your ham on the correct post!
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LOL. Thanks Charli. I was staggered to find that we need to teach people how to give good customer service. Jessica certainly knew how to perform but I think it came naturally for her.
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Often the fault remains with the businesses who fail to teach good customer service. I’m impressed when businesses take the time — because, yes, it’s not something workers understand either. Sigh.
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LOL. Luckily I read them in the other order otherwise I would have been wondering where your head was.
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Ha, ha!
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I am Jessica on many days of the working week! Really enjoyed this flash.
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You know how she felt then. Both of you are good performers.
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Aargh, I think many of us can identify with Jessica. Too good a performer by half.
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Thanks Anne. Those who give good customer service certainly will relate.
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