(Links to more popcorn stories.)
You've probably seen them, pictures drawn with a minimum of lines, just enough to convey the concept of what the subject is. This story is an attempt to convey its meaning with a minimum of words — a minimal story.
Heard in the woodshop: "Help!"
The other arrived quickly. But it wasn't an emergency.
"Help!"
Not an emergency.
"Help!"
No emergency.
"Help!"
The other didn't hurry. It was unlikely to be an emergency, anyway.
"When I yell 'Help!' that means I'm in trouble and you get your ass over here as fast as you can!"
"Yes, dear."
It still wasn't an emergency.
"Help!"
No response.
"Help! Help! Help!"
No one is there to hear.