Idiot Savant
The studio was cold and dark. Arley stood in his place waiting for the show to start, his mother next to him coaching him on how to behave.
The lights came on, the theme music played, and the host walked on stage. She faced the camera and spoke ‘Welcome, to The Weakest Link’
The introductions started, Arley was first. ‘I am Arlington Tarrant from Salt Lake City I am 32 years old, I was born on.’
‘CUT’ The director’s bellow failed to stop him mid flow.
His mother intervened, instructing him exactly how to answer the question.
After another dozen takes they decided to cut his microphone when he was not being addressed.
Then as the other contestants gave their details; Arley echoed them, memorising as he mumbled to himself.
Thirty minutes behind schedule the quiz started. The first question was to Arley
‘What is the only film to ever win both the Oscar for Best Picture and the Golden Bear at the..’
‘Rainman’ he interrupted before the question was complete.
She moved on, Arley’s mike feed was cut, he muttered all the correct answers, beating the other contestants every time.
The first round over they banked $100, despite having reached the round limit of $5,000. The girl next to Arley got her answers wrong, distracted by his mutterings.
The voting over, the decision was unanimous, Arley was declared the weakest link. Leaving the stage he swore under his breath, blaming his mother for pushing him to do the show.
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