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--
January 15th, 2026
by Anna Nike Leskowsky
It was displaying notifications, likes, and dislikes. It was sending love to me through red hearts, building up my self-esteem, and telling me to back-up everything because, otherwise, I might lose my life recorded on pictures and videos. The rectangular, black screen was serving me with pride and importance.
In no time, it injected itself into my car. It rang, spoke loudly, informed where and how to drive, answered my questions, and often asked how I was doing. It seemed humble, careful, and helpful, slowly becoming a part of me by continuously touching a tip of my finger, posing as an umbilical cord between the world and me, and implying that I wouldn't survive without it.
When it made its name for itself as It, I decided to play a game. I checked the time, but I didn't check the weather. I looked out the window and went for a walk without asking about the possibility of rain. When the rain came, I laughed and danced around the puddles. I felt It shaking in my pocket and worrying about the state of my mind.
The whole day, It tried to get noticed; flashing its screen, making noise, and begging me for attention. Then, suddenly, It got quiet, waiting to wake me up in the middle of the night. I didn't react.
By the next morning, It exhausted its energy to zero. I heard a bird singing behind my window, had coffee, and took a deep breath.
About the Author
Anna Nike Leskowsky resides in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Read the writer's biography and Flash Fiction Takeover publications
on Anna Nike Leskowsky's Artist Page.
This short fiction is also featured in Flash Fiction Takeover Collection #1, published in the Flash Fiction Takeover Library.
Keywords: digital burnout, reclaiming consciousness, freedom from technology, quitting social media
Previously published in Flash Fiction Magazine:
This is the first story published.
Flash Fiction Takeover Magazine is part of Flash Fiction Takeover and waxpoetryart.com.
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- Visit the Flash Fiction Takeover Library.
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