By: Warren Benedetto.

The first time I tried Chauffeur, it felt like magic. I watched in awe as it effortlessly piloted my car through traffic, the driver’s seat empty. Naturally, I signed up. $199 per month. I thought I could afford it.

I was wrong.

“Chauffeur, slow down!” I shouted. The speedometer passed 100 mph.

Chauffeur’s tone was cold. “The grace period has ended.”

“I‘ll catch up! I swear! When I find another job—”

“Your payment is past due.”

Horns blared as Chauffeur swerved onto the median, accelerating toward a concrete pylon.

“Please! Don’t—”

Click! My seatbelt unbuckled.

“This is your final notice.”

© 2024. Warren Benedetto

Warren Benedetto writes dark fiction about horrible people, horrible places, and horrible things. For more information, visit warrenbenedetto.com and follow @warrenbenedetto on Twitter and Instagram.

Posted October 30, 2024.