100 words – All Dialogue; no tags
“You promised, to pick me up from the airport, but only because I said, ‘don’t bother, an Uber will do, the company will pay.’”
PHOTO PROMPT © Mr. Binks
“You played your part. I played mine. We have the same conversation every time you go away for business. Why do your words sound like an accusation?”
“Why are you acting guilty?”
“Why weren’t you on the plane that went down?”
“Why weren’t you in New Jersey when the quake happened and the waters washed it off the map?”
“Mom, Dad, aren’t you missing the point? You’re both alive.”
“We’re alive, but our marriage is dead.”
I entered a contest a few months ago — all dialogue, no tags. It was a fun exercise. I did not win but no regrets. The entry is below if you want to read another novel excerpt – the one below based on “Humans in a Cage” – a conversation between the misfit alien Ret and Gabby the human who becomes romantically involved with him. The story above is based (not exactly how it will go in the novel) on my latest WIP – “We are Survivors” – a conversation when the protagonist and her (ex-ish) husband find out neither one died in the apocalyptic events in America.
The photo that inspired this particular 100 words is from Rochelle Wisoff’s Friday Fictioneer’s photo challenge. It’s the best photo challenge writing community going! Jump over to her website and read some amazing short stories and add your own!
Todays photo (full photo and focused photo on rainbow) is compliments of © Mr. Binks
I have to say that lone bird on the roof caught my attention. Maybe it is a nod to the dove sent out by Noah when God made a rainbow appear in the sky.
Have a great day!
PS- I’m still looking for beta readers for “Humans in a Cage” and “We Are Survivors”. Leave a comment if you want to be on either team. Many Thanks! Clare
Contest entry / Dialogue Only; No Tags
Weaponized Words
I heard what they said to you.
You shouldn’t have come.
Don’t listen to any of it.
Leave me alone.
Not until you hear what I have to say. You are so precious. So wonderful. You are perfect. You are the joy of my heart. I’m so thankful for the day you were born. The world is a better place because you’re in it. I love you. I love you. I love you. I wouldn’t change a thing about you.
Why do you say these words?
They are words you should have heard your whole life.
I don’t deserve to live.
I won’t live without you.
I’m an anomaly. They should have killed me.
It will kill me if you die.
Why do you love me?
Why wouldn’t I?
You are the only one.
That is a lie. Zate loves you. That’s two people. Enough for you to get out of bed and face your enemies.
My enemies will overtake me. I’m weak.
You don’t face them alone. Never alone. Don’t give up.
If I fail.
You won’t.
Will you be there still?
Always.
Clare Graith 