Title: Preserving A Legacy
Source: Friday Fictioneers sponsored by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple
Word count: 100 words
PHOTO PROMPT© Sandra Crook
Marta waited. She adjusted her hat, petted the hairnet covering her braided hair, while white nursing shoes and long white lab coat completed her ensemble. It made her feel sterile, one person in a large room of whirling machines.
The textile factory, built two hundred years ago, had employed generations of her family. Marta treasured the photos of her ancestors working here. New computerized looms automated many functions, but they still required human hands. Her hands were integral to the entire operation.
An alarm sounded, and Marta remedied the issue aware that her knowledge and skill preserved a great legacy.
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Keep on writing.
Jo Hawk The Writer
Jo Hawk 
One day, there will be nothing but machines. And one worker. The worker won’t do anything, but her wages will be necessary to purchase all the stuff the machines make.
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When that happens, I wonder– will we still call them “workers”? Thanks for reading and commenting Neil.
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Unfortunately automation is everywhere
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Yes, automation which is often the answer to consumer’s desire for more, cheaper, faster.
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I hope they pay her well. It sounds lonely,
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I am sure it is not enough. Thanks for stopping by Alice.
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It seems a futile legacy to preserve, but defiant for what it’s worth.
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Perhaps they will create a museum and the next generation will curate it. Thanks for reading Iain.
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The factory belongs to her now? Strong sense of pride in her legacy. Good for her.
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Glad you enjoyed the story, Tannille
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That must be an intrinsically rewarding career, putting things right where automation can’t.
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I have observed that automation can only go so far. Some level of human intervention is required and the skills required tend to be very specialized. Thanks for reading Sandra.
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Even machines still need the human touch.
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Indeed they do. Thanks for stopping by. 😊
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Nice that Martha has triumphed over her legacy, and nicer to know she values their hard work and her own humble beginnings.. Nicely told, Jo.
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Thank you Violet. Glad you liked the story.
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we still require the human factor and human touch, your story emphasizes that very nicely
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Thanks Gina. I think the human touch is becoming more and more sought after. It is what we miss on a basis level in all aspects of our lives.
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i agree, in a dystopian world, writers and film makers put emphasis on this, afraid to lose this last but of humanity maybe.
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It is an underlying theme. If all trace of humanity is erased are we still human? Great question, Gina.
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we try to compartmentalise and remove what makes us that more and more i feel, yes my thoughts exactly
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Well done–a positive twist on the modernization of an ages-old industry.
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Thank you. Some things are worth preserving 😊.
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In time even human hands will be replaced by robotic ones. I’m glad I won’t be around to witness it!
My FriFic tale!
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You’ve constructed your story nicely, Jo. I like the way you emphasise the physical, with the detailed description of her clothing, and the repetition of ‘hands’. This gives context and contrast to the intangible concept of ‘heritage’.
Kudos!
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Thank you for your kind words, Penny. I enjoy the process of finding a story in the prompt.
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What is a nurse doing in an automated factory?
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Abhijit, many automated factories require anyone on the floor to wear white. Thanks for reading.
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Thank you. Did not know that.
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No matter how automatised things get, there will always be those who are irreplaceable…
Of course, this is small consolation for all those who have lost their jobs…
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Small consolation indeed, Dale. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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