Fourth Campaigner 1st Challenge - Goodbyes

I finally got the first challenge written!

The rules are to write a short story/flash fiction story in 200 words or less, excluding the title.  It can be in any format, including a poem.  Begin the story with the words, “Shadows crept across the wall,” which will be included in the total word count.

If we wanted to give ourselves an additional, optional challenge, we could do one or more of the followings:

• End the story with the words:  “everything faded.” (also included in the word count)
• Include the word “orange” in the story
• Write in the same genre you normally write
• Make your story 200 words exactly!

Goodbyes

Shadows crept across the wall of the garden as the second sun rose above the horizon.  Jora watched the combined warmth of both suns dissolve the frost from the ground, exposing bare dirt beneath.  She huffed into her hands, dispelling the chill from her achy bones. 

Her husband shuffled toward her. 

“Won’t be long now,” he said, scratching the stubble on his cheek.

She nodded.  They’d waited so long.  A few more minutes wouldn’t matter.

Putting his arm around her, he squeezed her shoulders, and turned toward the double sunrise.

Jora rested her head against his chest.  “I’m glad we stayed.  I just couldn’t...”

She paused, swallowing hard to push the lump in her throat away from her vocal chords.  “I’m glad Barlo is safe, though.”

Jora blinked her eyes against the tears created by saying her son’s name.  The memory of him, looking back at her before climbing into the evacuation ship, broke her heart.  He was young, though.  It would have been wrong for him to stay.

A pulsating orange light drew her attention to the horizon.  Clinging to her husband, Jora hid her face.  In seconds, the firestorm engulfed them.  Pain seared her body, and everything faded.

******

I also was tagged by the ever-kind Ozlem Yikici, but since I think everyone in the Campaign has been tagged, I don't think I'll pass it on.  However, if anyone is interested in answering these interesting questions, please do, and say I tagged you!

I have to say - I think all of you in the blogosphere know me better than my co-workers, with whom I've worked for the last five years! 


1.  Where did the inspiration for writing your WIP come from?

I got very tired of dealing with adults who abuse or neglect, or even generally mistreat their children.  I needed an outlet, and decided I was going to write a story about an abusing father, and have him "get it" in the end.  Don't get on my bad side!

2.   Any interesting tales about your muse?

Only that I don't seem to see her around a lot.  I think she works a lot behind the scenes, and isn't really flashy about it.

3.   Your muse; fab/frustrating/inbetweener?

I think she's pretty fab.  I assume she's a she...

4.   Why do you write?

Hard questions to answer, but it has to do with a long-shot at a career change. :)

5.   If you could enhance one of your senses, which would it be?

I have terrible eyesight, and lost some hearing because of drumming, so I think it would be one of those.  Probably the eyesight, because I'm almost legally blind without contacts.  Thank God for contacts!

6.   When you are not creating what do you do?

Everything else!

7.   Ask yourself a question –now answer it.

Why did I eat all that today?  Stress.

8.   How long is a piece of string?

As long as I want it to be?

9.   What was the last dream you saw?

The one I remember now was scary.  I dream every night (in color), though - and I remember most of them in the morning.

10.  In a film about your life, which actor would play you?

I've been told I look like Winona Ryder.  However, I don't really like her, and now that we've both grown up, I don't think the resemblance is there anymore.

11.  What’s your motto in life and also your work ethics?

Motto: "Just do it" ties with "Just because you can doesn't mean you should".  I have a pretty high work ethic, but my self-discipline continues to need a little more work. :)