We’ll Spin It
A short story by George Werner
Election night was electric. Balloons bobbed, champagne flowed, and the country’s newly elected prime minister, Cark Marney, was moments away from his big acceptance speech.
The live newscast had it all—roving reporters, tearful voters, and a very jittery anchor named “Rosie”. “And now,” Rosie beamed, “we cross live to the National Hall, where Prime Minister Marney is about to address the natio—”
Suddenly, as Marney strode triumphantly onto the stage, pointing finger-guns into the crowd, an ominous creak echoed from above. Suspended high over the stage was a gigantic, spinning Wheel of Promises—a novelty prop meant to symbolize Marney’s campaign slogan: “Whatever Happens, We’ll Spin It!”
With a deafening snap, the Wheel broke loose, spiraled down, and with surgical precision, sliced Marney’s head clean off. His body stood there for a moment, giving a thumbs up, before crumpling neatly like a folding chair.
The crowd gasped. Someone fainted into a nacho stand.
Rosie, back at the news desk, froze in horror—then remembered Rule #1 of live television: Keep talking. She stammered, “Uh, well, folks, it appears the Prime Minister has really... lost his head over victory tonight!”
A moment of stunned silence—and then, somehow, laughter rippled across the nation. Memes were born within minutes.
Later, the Deputy Prime Minister solemnly approached the mic, looked into the cameras, and said, “As Cark always promised: big ideas, bold moves... and an absolutely unforgettable exit.”
Marney’s campaign slogan was quickly repurposed into his national epitaph:
“Whatever Happens... We’ll Spin It!”
“George Werner” is the nom de plume of Werner Patels, a translator, editor, proofreader and content/copywriter in Quebec City. He can be reached at wgpatels (at) gmail.com.