Traction | The Ink Well Weekly Fiction Prompt #5: A Matter of Time
I was late! --Or I thought I was late... Psychic or not, I knew Cole would talk my ear off 'cuz of this!
Turning the corner, I breath a sigh of relief as I saw the number of cars still parked outside the library. I still made it! Though judging from the group of children, along with their parents slowly trickling out of the doors, I knew I missed the story session Cole had a hand in organizing.
Just as I was about to accept my fate in the hands of my ever straight-laced friend, a flash of color from the library's side alley took my attention.
I narrowed my eyes as I slowly drew near, slightly crouching by an alcove to get a better view at who I thought I saw... What was Lee Grant doing there?
Convincing myself that I was just curious for Hilda's sake, I watched on as Lee headed towards what I knew was a dead end but was then surprised to see the source of the color that had taken my attention—a painting I was sure of it, though mostly draped by a dreary looking cloth, a corner of it peaked out to reveal soft pastel pink. Was it left there? By who? Was it only coincidence that Lee just somehow stumbled around here?
My thoughts however were put on hold by the sudden blaring of a car alarm nearby, not wanting to be caught snooping around, I hurriedly took several steps backwards from the alleyway, pulling out my phone in a show that I was just replying to a text as I slowly made my way to the library again.
Not a second too late, I narrowly avoided bumping into Lee himself as he strode out of that alleyway as if he just came out for a smoke, the covered painting casually held under his arm. I looked up just in time to catch a glimpse of him, freezing in my tracks as he walked pass.
I was only convincing myself until then that nothing seemed off, for Hilda's sake and the peace of mind she long deserved but—gripping my phone in hand, I slowly turned about and made to follow Lee.
It was only a matter of time before I found out how this underlying darkness made its way into our town.
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The Ink Well Weekly Fiction Prompt #5: A Matter of Time
Author's note: I'm working on finishing the entire story and planned it out for the Fast and Furious Festival. However, there was a change in format, and I was sidetracked. I have yet to catch up and get back on track. I really would want to complete what I have started.
The unmistakable sign of a writer, or artist of any kind: you have an idea and the ambition to realize it. The completeness of this idea is evident only to you. When Michelangelo was sculpting David, there must have been times when the finished plan was evident only to him. He had a vision and pressed on until it was realized. That is the mark of an artist! The satisfaction of realizing your goal will be its own reward.
Thank you for posting your story in the Ink Well community.
Hello @iamraincrystal,
The saga continues! I wrote a book once, 80,000 + words. It felt a little like the process you describe here:
My back was sore. My eyes were bleary, but I had to write and finish that story. The book didn't turn out very well, but I was content that I got the story out the way I envisioned it. Nobody could dissuade me from sitting down every day until I'd done what I had to do :) That's the freedom of an artist. I claim it, and every artist does when beginning a project.
As for this piece: I like the fact that the narrator and Lee are both engaging in subterfuge as they pass each other at the end of the alley. She pretends to text,and he assumes the casual air of someone taking a smoke. This is so human, something we all might do. A nice touch.
Have fun writing!
Of course - you must follow your heart. Please don't worry about being on track or off track. We are here to encourage fiction writing, and you are writing fiction. it really doesn't matter if you are writing for each of the prompts. I like how you carried forward the story of Lee with one of the newer writing prompts.
A beautiful use of the prompt. I too would love to know more about this Lee of a guy.
By the way, off-track and on-track, they're just part of the perks of being a writer. They pass, and they return.
Just don't let it stop your creative juices from flowing.
Good job, @iamraincrystal