Are you feeling a little down? I know I am. Covid is still with us long after I thought life would get back to normal. The days suddenly became much shorter and colder. I’m not motivated to do anything outside even with my horse and I’m having trouble writing a scant 500 words a day.
The upside is that I’ve been doing more reading and recently discovered Frank Tayell’s 18-book series Surviving The Evacuation. 18 dystopian zombie books! This is way, way out of my preferred genre, but I enjoyed the way it’s written. There’s almost no dialogue and it’s first person present tense, which I love. And it’s an engaging, enjoyable read despite the zombies, timely considering zombie season (Halloween) is fast approaching!
A few years ago in a writer’s retreat I wrote a short (very short) story in first person present tense. No zombies, but it’s a little creepy, so maybe it fits the season? I came across it when I was tidying up my desk and thought I’d share it with you. Keep in mind this was written in half an hour, longhand, with no editing except for a few strikeouts, so it’s rough. Typing it out, I resisted the urge to fix things. Here it is:
Reflections On A Window
I stand staring at a shop window. Passersby might assume I’m mesmerized by the antique wardrobe offered for sale inside. It is lovely, but it’s not what captured my attention.
Looming behind me is a tall, bearded man. He’s been following me for blocks, and has stopped now that I’ve stopped. I study the reflection for what I can see of his clothing, hoping for a clue to his character; if he’s truly following me, should I be worried, or is there a benign reason? Should I confront him? Should I go into the shop and notify the shop owner? Call the police?
His beard is a little shaggy but reasonable, and although his hair is to his collar, it looks clean. His coat is worn a bit, in the way someone keeps wearing a favourite, comfortable article of clothing. Crinkles around his eyes suggest he’s a cheerful sort. What is it about him that feels threatening?
I decide to walk another block and if he follows me, I’ll wait until there are others nearby, and confront him.
I turn and start off. I haven’t gone more than half a dozen steps when I see a woman coming toward me. Smiling at me as if she knows me. I don’t recognize her but smile anyway.
“There you are, Donny!” she says. “What are you doing here? Have you forgotten The Flying Fish is on the next street over?”
“I guess I’ve been away for too long,” the man at my back says.
***
That’s it. It would’ve been longer if we hadn’t been given only 30 minutes but this is as far as I got, so what happens next is up to you. My Halloween gift to you!
I’d love to hear your suggestion for an ending!
Gayle😊
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