The Unicorn Challenge.
A magical new weekly writing opportunity from her – Jenne Gray – and me.
Visit her blog every Friday to see the photo prompt, and post your amazing story in her comments section.
Or on your own blog, and stick the link down in her comments.
The rules are:
Maximum of 250 words.
Based on photo prompt.
That’s it.
To hear me read my story, just click here:
The Letter
I recognise the handwriting immediately – how could I not? – although it’s been many years since I last saw my name written with such elegance.
My reaction surprises me, I’m quite unnerved to see this distinctive script again after so long.
I turn the heavy cream envelope in my hands for some time, though I’m not sure if I’m searching for a flaw or, perhaps, an entrance.
It is immaculate; I fail to identify any smudge or trace of scent.
I sigh in resignation and feel a somewhat rueful smile turn up a corner of my mouth.
I lift the brown-handled knife which waits to slice the melon and slide it under the flap.
Inside is a single sheet of pale blue writing paper, folded to fit.
I pull it out, set the envelope to one side, and lay down the page, still doubled.
With another sigh and a slightly embarrassed shake of my head, I open the sheet and spread it flat.
I start to frown, change to a smile, then shake my head more forcefully.
My laugh is short, almost a bark, and to my ears sounds somewhat bitter.
There’s only one word written there.
No.
I’m in trouble.
I can’t remember the question.
I raise my head and gaze at her across the breakfast table.
Totally at ease, enjoying the morning sun on the balcony, she seems to sense this, and her eyes lift to meet mine.
I breathe deeply, before asking, ‘No what, my love?’
There are nice no’s, not so nice no’s, and in this case goodness only no’s! Whatever you didn’t get, I hope you still enjoyed your melon.
Sunshine and a view of the Med, how can anyone not enjoy their melon.
(I’m hoping that’s not a euphemism!)
Hmm, now that is interesting… and worrying, of course. Good one, CE!
Nah, no need to worry, Chris, he’ll wriggle his way out of it!
You wrote this, dear CE, like a man who is quite familiar with the situation and uncomfortable with the position.Superbly done. Your unease was palpable and I almost felt sorry for you. Wonderful!
Laughing.
We’ve all had moments like this, Nancy, so don’t waste your pity on this reprobate!
Every quiet, deliberate detail causes the tension and his growing discomfort to rise up from the page – her calm satisfaction too.
A masterclass in writing a story complete in itself, but where the reader doesn’t get to know what it’s actually about!
Thanks, Jenne, I’m happy it worked for you.
Sometimes less is more, hmm?
I like your use of the written word to make him uncomfortable.
Glad it worked for you.
The tension was delicious!
Thanks, Violet, so was the melon!