I have been having trouble being creative since my brother disappeared. I took this problem to my Facebook friends, asking for topics to write about as simple exercises in creativity. I have always enjoyed a challenge so I thought this might help. Here is story #1 from the series of topics I was given.
James was nervous, his hands were sweating, and his mouth felt like sandpaper. Pacing back and forth he came to the understanding that there were only two options in this situation. Complete the mission, or abandon it.
He knew, without question, that if he abandoned it, his very life could be at stake, along with that of several people he cared about, but if he completed it, the devastation to his ego, his very manhood, could make surviving almost not worth it.
Stuffing the feelings of self-pride and selfishness down into the space where men keep most emotion he reached out in front of him, and grasped his target. He could not let his family down. He could not go home and face the inevitable wrath that would come with a unsuccesfull mission. His mind raced. Would this make the news? Would all of his friends know what he had done? Again forcing the feelings, and the fear into his gut he continued on.
Looking in all directions, James was unable to see anyone who might call him out on his quest. Hurriedly he walked towards the woman behind the counter. “Next time my wife needs tampons, she can get them herself,” he thought to himself as he paid. “I don’t know if I could handle this again.”
This came from a suggestion of “going to the grocery store.” I have never been the type to keep is simple. I hope you enjoyed this bit of silliness!
Ah, yes. Writing challenges as simple as “going to the grocery store” sometimes have great yields. I certainly wasn’t suspecting that particular ending!
(Although I don’t know exactly what you’re going through – this is my first time here… I’m from the Ultimate Blog Challenge Facebook group, I’m sending love and peace your way.)
Thank you Julie. We have lost several family member to a mix of things in the last year. I read your post on UBC9. great idea!
I did! Thanks for sharing and I hope that each day you sit down to write it gets easier!
Thank you!
Yeah, getting things together (coupons, reusable bags, lists), wandering the aisles for the random deals or because they reorganized the store yet again, looking at/dodging the people of all ages with large carts,overwelming or underwelming choices, wondering if the checkout clerk notices that you bought beer/wine yet again. Going is always an adventure. Good job! I hope that helped.
Ha! What a fun little read and the reason I have never asked my husband to run that particular errand for me
Thank you, i am glad you enjoyed it. That is about what it feels like for a guy. Like a semi military operation. Don’t get caught, don’t fail. Your very life depends on completing the mission, and doing it with the stealth of an arrow. haha
Funny, but true! Why is that particular errand such a hard one for us men to do?? Lol!
because we want with all our being to pretend that particular thing is not happening. haha
Love the twist.. wishing you much flow and inspiration! Just started the Artists Way this week to help with my unblocking!
glad you enjoyed it! thanks for reading!