The "No Name Change Required" Issue

Quick as a Flash - Week 17

Fact and Fiction

Hello! It’s the month of June, and we’re returning with weekly updates!

“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” - Juliet from Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Unlike a rose, we ask that you do not smell the markers. (Credit: Jon Tyson on Unsplash)

Challenge accepted. Please enjoy some microfiction where we question whether a name change is really required.

The Sparks

Colorful... and Scatalogical

I love my children equally. People say otherwise. They say all the proof is in their names: Violet, Ebony, Amber… and Shartreuse.

"You didn't even spell it right."

It was the epidural. Everything was hazy. My handwriting was a big, sloppy mess!

"Sounds like it was Freudian."

No Need to Fear

A pop sounded in the distance, followed by the sounds of… a really intense tennis match? Marcia smiled at my confusion.

"The Blur just ran by. She's getting up there in age and uses a walker. Just barely breaks the sound barrier these days. Glad she's still superheroing, though."

Irreplaceable-ish

"I'm going to miss you when I move."

"Same, Trish. Which is why I'm glad you're here to help me audition your replacement."

"My what?"

"Girls auditioning for Trish 2.0, come on in!"

"Mia, these are drag queens! Is my makeup that bad?"

"Like a scary clown," Mia said wistfully.

Rebranding

"You can be Marcus P., and I'll be Marcus C. Or you could be Marc!"

"I'd rather hang by my toenails."

"Ha! That's funny. You could be Funny Marcus, and I'll be Tall Marcus."

"You're only 5'9."

"Okay, maybe—"

"For the love of God, your name is Greg! Why are you doing this?"

Share Corner

Please remember that The Great Substack Story Challenge is currently running! If you haven’t already, please check out chapters 1 and 2 and consider subscribing to their excellent authors, who I listed below.

I’m responsible for chapter 3, so you’ll be hearing from me a little sooner than normal on Thursday, June 9th. I’m very excited to get my hands dirty!

Arjun Agarwal:

G.M. Baker: