A very short story.
Shortcut
The man in the sharp suit handed John the box. John carefully inspected it, looking for tricks. There didn’t seem to be much to it really: a simple wooden exterior which was painted black; some brass corners, polished to a high sheen; and a small switch.
The man - John had not caught his name, for the man had appeared suddenly with this gift - explained, “This box will help you achieve your goals. With a flick of the switch your work load will be decreased, you’ll have less to worry yourself with.”
Turning the box over itself a couple of times, John placed his thumb on the small switch. Pondering, he cast his gaze over the disaster that was his garage. His wife had been pleading with him for weeks to straighten it out. The mess had accumulated and grown to such a degree it would take him two to three days to sort it out. Not his idea of a great weekend.
Reluctant to put any actual effort into the garage, he opted to flick the switch. Any help at this point would be useful.
The box shook and whirred, a strange glow emanated from the small gaps along each edge, the brass edgings grew hot. John dropped it and tried to step back, only to discover that a small hole had appeared in the side of the box and a strange force had started to draw his feet toward it.
Attempting to jump back he fell over himself and collapsed to the floor. The box increased its draw now, and in less than a moment John had been consumed by the box.
The switch reset.
The mysterious man picked up the box, pleased that he had captured another soul.
“John, John, John. You should have put in the work weeks ago. It really wouldn’t have been that difficult. At least now you don’t have to put any effort in.”