A writing prompt and a challenge, from Write Club "A Stonehenge idol"
“Again you were sitting like a Stonehenge idol at the table. Why didn't you talk to anybody?”
“About what?”
“About what? What difference does it make about what? Just make small talk, maintain a conversation.
Talk about whatever… Weather for example.”
“For one thing I am not a meteorologist, but even if I was what was I supposed to say about the weather that they don’t know already? Today it will be sunny, 75 degrees, light breeze. ”
Margaret only waved at Devin. “Have you said at least anything during the time at the table?”
“I did”
“What did you say I’d be curious?”
“Can you pass me the sauce, please?”
“That’s not even funny”
“It wasn’t supposed to be funny.”
«Ah, Devin, Devin…” she waved her hand at him once more.
“You are such a weirdo.”
Devin only shrugged. “But aren’t you,” Margaret turned away from the pan on the stove to ask the question, “aren’t you interested what are the people who sat at the table with you? They’ve got to say something interesting.”
“Not really. They didn’t say anything interesting as far as I could judge. The guy on my right, he was a real estate broker, was talking about the last deal he made on the three-bedroom house and the guy on the left was a dentist. He talked about prices for tooth cleaning, root canals, crowns, and implants.”
“And you… didn’t you ask any questions?”
“No. It was kind of boring.”
“But couldn’t you just ask some questions just for the sake of communication?”
“Why? Communication is for 70% not verbal.”
“Phooey, in your non-verbal communication must be are just as bad as in your verbal one. That’s how you will be. All your life alone.” Devin shrugged. “I have you.”
“I am your mother and I won’t be here for you forever. You should have acquaintances, friends, and girlfriend for god’s sake. You aren’t bad looking or damaged in your head. You are holding the job and you even have gotten promotions. But you are just an idol, a Stonehenge idol! You are destined to stay alone all the time if you don’t change your ways! ”
“I guess, I’ve got to be born like this – a lone wolf.”
“Wolf?! What kind of wolf are you? You never stepped on a butterfly. Wolf? …you are a lamp, a lamb that can’t even bleat! Your father was taciturn, but he wasn’t as quiet as you are. After all, when it came to courting me he was talkative enough. At least, he was able to squeeze out of himself the three most important words. ” Missis Blandly went several times around the room clutching the handkerchief. “Ok,” she exhaled, “let’s go off the big life challenges to small chores.”
Devin looked at Missis Blandly inquisitively.
“Go to the bank and see there a notary public. We need to sign this paper in their presence. You know what’s it about don’t you?”
“I know what this is, mom.”
“Well good enough. Can you go now? The bank is closing at 3 PM on Saturday and now is 1:50 pm already. And don’t confuse anything.”
“Ok, don’t worry. I can talk where there is a topic.”
“I sure hope so. Go now.” – Missis Blandly stretched her hand toward Delvin with a glue manila folder.
Despite it being Saturday, there were quite many clients in the bank. Delvin sat on the couch waiting for his turn while the notary public discussed something with another client. Suddenly, Delvin heard a sharp noise similar to a gunshot. Indeed, several men in black masks ran through the doors and spread around the bank holding automatic weapons. One of them, who must have been the leader, screamed in a low hoarse voice.
“This is the holdup! Everybody on the floor!” he turned around checking that his commend was fulfilled. “and if I hear a squeak pip from anybody, I’ll put these babies” - he shook his automatic gun in the air and hinting the bullets inside the gun – “ right through your brains!. Is this understood?!” For better clarity, he took the person closest to him, who turned out to be Delvin, by the hair, lifted him from the ground, move the muzzle of the gun in his face and continued.
“You got it, mazafaka? Would it be hard for you to keep your mouth shut! Answer me!”
To which Delvin answered - “No, sir” And thought ‘Nothing to it’.