The Benches in the Park

Author’s Note: These prompts are my attempt at working on writing fiction. I may not always follow the cards exactly, but I am working on writing fiction.

Fight The Giant — Cards against normality prompt: Move ahead three spaces - What would happen if you skipped over the next few scenes/days/years?

Look for ways to combine scenes and locations. If your hero needs to have an argument and then go hiking, can the argument happen on the hike?

List three events the reader might anticipate will happen in your story, such as Regionals, prom, or the wedding. Could you skip ahead to one of them?

Think about transitions: Is there a natural way to make it clear that time has passed (e.g., Christmas trees, sunrise, graduation)?

Highland 2

It was a warm fall day, and I was walking in the park when I noticed the benches. Why ever are there so many? The further I walked the more it made no sense. No one was in the park except me and an occasional squirrel, bird, or person.

When suddenly I decided that it was probably because they were all memorial benches, from family members who have lost someone that loved walking in this park.

That made sense to me, until the thought came that it's probably just someone who donated the money to purchase these benches as they enjoyed the walk but needed to stop and rest along the way.

Then I remembered how the community will use this park for a fun run in the summer, and a snowshoe race in the winter. They are spectator benches!

I had a dream about being a child coming down to the park for that race. It was a blast, and some people were really good snowshoers. It was clear right from the start who would win, I thought. They didn't always win as I thought, but it was fun to guess.

My little brother was always so sure he guessed right. And he almost never guessed right.

We had plans to be here this winter on the weekend of the race. And we made it. I am hoping it won't be the coldest day of the winter as in years past. The weather man says it should be nice. Even though they are right more often, you can't always trust them.

We will dress in layers and take hot chocolate to drink. I really hope this winter is a short one. I so love spring and summer.

Who could forget that there are open areas for music and theatre performances, and right now I am hoping to shop. The vendors have begun to set up for an art in the park event. These benches are more modern. Plastic for less repair? Maybe they will last longer?

My cousin will be here and many other family members too. What a perfect spot for a family reunion, and I know there is a picnic area not too far away.

Your mother is very clear in this will and wishes for her money to go to this park. Are you familiar with it? She wants it used for upkeep and to help sponsor more events for the community right here at this park.

She is clear in saying that you children don't need her money. That you are doing so well, that you would just have to pay taxes on it anyway and not end up with much. Then, she has items listed for each of you, that she thought may have a more personal value to you.

Then he says, and she finishes with, "Please take the time to enjoy yourself, and your family as I have. Find a special place to cherish as I for many years have cherished the park just down the street from me.