Vicarious Dream - A Weekend 3 Prompt Freewrite

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If you like to write, and haven't tried this 3 prompt challenge, you are missing out on a fun exercise. Here's the explanation by Weekend Freewrite creator @mariannewest:

This is how the weekend free write is different. You get 3 prompts and write 5 minutes on each prompt creating one story. Each prompt is in a separate post. No peeking!! The First Sentence prompt will always have the green graphic.

The second prompt is- The interference. It will direct your story into a new direction. Write for 5 more minutes. The second prompt will always have this graphic with a yellow background.

The third part is a dramatic twist. Continue writing where that prompt takes you but still creating one story. Write 5 more minutes.
The Dramatic twist prompt always has this purple background graphic.

When you have finished your story you post the link to you story in comments on the #3 prompt post. You can find all three of @mariannewest's posts here:

Post 1 with first prompt

Post 2 with 2nd prompt

Post 3 with 3rd prompt; comment with your entry here

If you want to give this contest a try - STOP HERE and don't read anyone else's story yet. The idea is to be surprised by each new prompt and then have to incorporate it into the story you have already started!

Here is my entry, and the prompts used are in bold print:

Vicarious Dream

"Then play, please," Jonny said. He sang "Dig my grave with a Silver Spade" and the judges sat in silence as the old ballad bombarded their weary ears.

After the rendition was finished there was a relieved silence. Jonny thanked the lanky young man sitting on the stage and called for the next contestant.

George got slowly up from the rickety chair and made his way dejectedly off the stage. He knew the audition had not went well. This was his third time trying to make entry on to the talent show. He thought sure this time that the old sad song would make a positive impression. Now he had been summarily dismissed once again.

The bus ride home with the shiny black guitar perched on his lap was long and boring. A young girl sat next to him, peeking up at him from time to time and looking at the guitar in a longing manner. George finally came out of his funk long enough to notice her interest.

In a rage, she puts her finger through her hair. Paul, who was waiting for a reaction, goes on. “Candy, you know we can’t afford for Allison to take guitar lessons, there’s just no money for such a luxury. Getting mad about it doesn’t change a thing.”

“But Paul, it’s all she’s talked about since meeting that nice young man on the bus last week. It’s been so long since she’s taken an interest in anything, this is just what she needs to take her mind off everything. Ever since the accident and her diagnosis she’s been so detached and sad. It wouldn’t hurt to at least ask this George if he’d be willing to take her on as a student. He seems like such a nice young man. After all, he did walk her home from the bus station and they seemed to hit it off so well.” Candy ranted at Paul as she paced rapidly around the tiny kitchen.

Paul took a deep breath and sighed, knowing he was going to give in and at least talk to George. Lord knew where the money would come from though, they were barely putting food on the table as it was.

Who knew that a twisted ankle would lead to such a tragedy. They had taken Allison to the free clinic when the ankle refused to heal and that’s when they found out that she had a rare bone disease. The ankle had finally gotten better but her prognosis was grim. Allison had sunk deeper and deeper into depression but her fascination with singing, and now this thing about wanting guitar lessons, was giving her something to be excited about again.

George consented to giving Allison lessons, and refused to take any payment. He and Allison become very close and she picked up the guitar almost effortlessly. Her voice was amazing and he thrilled to listen to her practice the sweet ballad they had decided upon for the competition.

Allison ventured shyly to the middle of the stage and timidly introduced herself while George and her parents stood in the back. The judges looked bored and signaled for her to begin.

There was not a dry eye in the house as the young girl strummed the guitar and delivered a beautiful heart wrenching rendition of “Reflection” made famous by Christina Aguilera.

Winning the contest was not only a life long dream come true for Allison, it fulfilled George in a way he had never imagined. A tear rolled down his cheek as their eyes met across the room.

If you enjoy writing short fiction stories (less than 1,000 words) I'd love to have you join me on Narrative. Here's a link directly to my page featuring Flash Fiction:

Join me on Narrative

Get in on the ground floor and see what it's all about. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me in the comments.

[credit@EdibleCthulhu]