I’m returning to Julia’s 100-Word Challenge for Grown-Ups this week, where the prompt is:
“…it can’t be that time…”
For those of you unfamiliar with this challenge, we’re to write a 100-word story using Julia’s prompt (in this particular case, we’re allowed to go to 105 words, since we have to incorporate the specific prompt phrase). Here’s mine:
“Let Go”
Tears came, despite her willing, and a rough scratching stifled the words from her throat:
“It can’t be that time,” she told him, as her hand hovered above the faint stubble of his cheek. How round it used to be, how full, when tickled laughter had been his only language. No longer, though: his face had grown so long, so narrow, like the rest of him, the very reflection of his father long past.
Now, she had to let him go, too.
She sniffed. “I’m not ready to say goodbye!”
A quiet sigh escaped him. Then, he chuckled. “Mum, I’m going to miss the bus…!”
I recently read a post over at Itsjennythewren’s blog about researching publishers. One point Jenny mentioned was that each character should “feel like they are the main focus in the book.” I have quite a few characters to deal with, so I don’t know how successful I’ve done at that bit. But, I do like thinking about each character’s life, no matter how little page time that character might get. Hopefully, this little vignette – about Maggie, Ross’s mum – manages her perspective successfully.
What did time take away from your characters, this week?
Aww I love this, it’s so sweet!
Thanks for the mention 🙂 very nice use of the prompt so sweet and funny!
Totally thought it was a cancer thing, but that was cute ending.
Separation anxiety – later in a kid’s life is, most times, the hardest on us.
I know this one very well, as I am usually the one departing. Its no easier from that angle either in some regards.
Very moving and very close to home for me. It’s quite interesting how our individual posts affected the other this time, don’t you think?
Thanks! I just couldn’t go dark with this prompt. 🙂
Thanks, Jenny! Your post made me think critically about my supporting characters, and which of them should – and shouldn’t – appear, so double thanks to you!
Thanks, spooney. I was tempted to go dark (the prompt almost invites it), but I just couldn’t bring myself to do something depressing. It’s depressing enough being a mother seeing off her son! 😀
So true, Randy. Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve been on both sides of this one, too. You’re right, Shade – neither one is easy to face, but it’s a necessary part of growing up. These prompts have definitely put me more in tune with other writers, rather than being off in my own little space. It’s interesting to observe (even if it does make me feel a bit like a copycat, at times).
Thanks for stopping by!
I really enjoyed it!
This is very nice, I love how you brought out the emotion in conjunction with the physical details.
I like the idea of building minor characters up so that they feel like they’re the main focus. Even with a small cast I think that’s a tough feat. I know for me, I’m so worried if I did a solid enough job with the protags, that sometimes I tend to forget about the supporting cast.
Thanks, Kate. I love supporting characters, personally, though I often have a similar (if opposite) concern as you: sometimes, I spend so much time building my supporting cast, my protags suffer! 😀