Better Writer –Extrapolate

The sky was beginning to clear as I started out on my walk up the hill. I was not looking forward to this visit. Hospitals are not my favorite place to visit, but my friend was there and my friend needed me. I was focused on the wet sidewalk in front of me… wet and gray, just like my mood. It was a perfect day for rain. Watching the rivulets snaking down the walk wondering where they would end up, I prayed a little bit. I needed a change in perspective to remember that God made the rain. God also made my friend and loved my friend and knew exactly where she was and what she was going through. Her hospital stay was not a surprise to Him. He was right there with her. And He was with me on my walk up the hill. Every day is a gift from Him… rain and all! Then I looked at my feet. I had slipped on my festive rain boots (why, I don’t know). But they were on for a purpose, so I began looking for puddles and I began splashing. Splashing in puddles just makes me want to sing. Oh the joy of being a kid again and not caring what the passerby thinks. With a spring in my step, I sang a little praise song to my Savior and looked forward to the opportunity to encourage my friend!

 

photo courtesy of Mr. ThinkTank (via Allume blog)
Day 3 Challenge: Pick something in the picture and write about it. Use descriptive words, etc. Use your imagination, craft a story about someone or something and tell us all about it! I want to see your perspective.

Just a few notes:

This is a work of fiction
I just saw the large building in the back as a hospital (maybe it’s an apartment building, I don’t know)
I had to look up the word “Extrapolate”

 

 

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Elementary Romance

The wind blew sharp and chilly. The sun shined brightly, but Billy was thankful for his new fleece jacket. The scent of a wood-burning stove lingered in the air of the train station. Billy watched the girls, who were off to one side giggling and whispering and stomping their feet to stay warm. Impatience was settling in as they waited for Miss Patterson to finalize details at the ticket window.

Finally it was time to board the train. Jason grabbed Billy by the arm, and they raced to the front. Miss Patterson called to them, “Ladies first, please!” The boys skidded to a stop and moved over. Billy stuck his foot out in an attempt to trip Courtney but she was too quick. She hopped over Billy’s foot and stuck her tongue out. Jason nudged Billy, “See, she does like you.”

On the train, the jostling for window seats began. Miss Patterson and the other chaperones quickly took control and made sure everyone had a seat. Jason and Billy promised to take turns with the window seat, and they carefully positioned themselves where they could watch Courtney without being too obvious.

The conductor went quickly through the rules: “Keep the windows closed. No running in the aisles. Snacks and souvenirs are available two cars back,” but Jason and Billy tuned him out.  The conductor punched tickets as the engineer shouted “All Aboard!” The train let out a long slow whistle and steam puffed into the air as the brakes released and the train began its journey through town. All the kids waved cheerfully at the few townspeople running errands and headed to work.

Before long, the fourth graders grew bored with the fall foliage and farmlands out the window and started trekking between cars, more for adventure than the snack shop two cars down. Billy picked out five dollars worth of candy, while Jason counted out his change for an Arcade and Attica Railroad conductor’s hat.  As the girls flooded into the snack car, still giggling, but now chattering loudly, the boys escaped back to their passenger car to listen to the traveling entertainers lead them in a rousing rendition of “She’ll be Coming Round the Mountain.”

Once they arrived at the depot, the schoolmates tumbled out of the train car to stretch their legs. Everyone snacked on cider and doughnuts as the crew transferred the engine to the end of the train for the return trip. After a quick game of tag, they loaded the train again. At each crossing, the train whistled its way across the countryside. Halfway home, Courtney came running into the train car, caught sight of the conductor and slowed to a speed walk until she reached Miss Patterson. Panic filled her voice. “I’ve lost my purse and all the money in it!”

Billy saw his chance to impress Courtney and quickly began scouring the floor for the missing purse. He ran and then slowed to a brisk walk when he caught sight of Miss Patterson on his way to the concessions car, stopping everyone he passed inquiring about the lost purse. When he returned to the passenger car, Courtney was in tears.  He dug through his five dollars worth of candy for her favorite, Reese’s Pieces. He approached her shyly and asked, “Would a little snack help?” She smiled through the tears and accepted.

Miss Patterson directed the children back to their seats and began her own search. Billy sat antsy in his seat wanting to help, but wanting to obey. Then something caught his eye. Wedged in between the window and the seat in front of him was something sparkly. He jumped up and rescued the missing purse, and rushed to Courtney to deliver it. She rewarded him with a kiss on the cheek.  As they pulled back into the station, Billy was suddenly too warm for his fleece jacket, although the air was still quite crisp.

Date Night (fiction)

Date Night

by Julie Wilson

The bell jingled as the door swung open and a rush of cold air blew in. The man stomped his feet as he turned to brush the snow off his companion’s red wool coat. Cindy, the waitress, called from the far corner, “Sit yourselves anywhere, Darlings,” as she poured another cup of coffee.

David glanced around and found a booth with a view of the street and escorted Sophie and sat her with elegance. Wide-eyed, she took in her surroundings. The table was clean, but well-worn, the curtains were heavily faded. At the counter sat three truckers, talking loudly and shoveling in food as if they hadn’t eaten all week. An elderly couple in the corner was as quiet as the truckers were loud. Through the kitchen window Sophie could see the cook moving efficiently between his work stations as he swung a plate onto the serving shelf and shouted, “Order up!”

Her survey of the room complete, she glanced at her menu. Burgers, sandwiches, fries, onion rings, and milkshakes, there were so many choices. She was so excited to be here with him. He held her hand as they picked out their meals and waited for the waitress to take their orders.

Cindy made her way over to their table. “Can I take your order, sweetheart?” Cindy smiled through tired eyes as she attempted to stay upbeat till the end of her shift.

David replied, “A burger and fries for the lady; I’ll have a burger and onion rings, and a large chocolate malt shake with two straws, please.”

She knew most everyone in town, but these two were unfamiliar. “Are you new in town?” Small talk often resulted in better tips.

“No,” he replied, “We’ve been in the area since summer, but this is our first time here.”

She assured him that this was the best burger joint in town, and headed to the kitchen to place the order.

Sophie’s eyes sparkled as she watched the bustling of shoppers in the street. She loved the rows of Christmas lights lining the street, and the storefront across the street had some treasures she wanted to add to her Christmas list.

Dinner came and they quickly dug in. Everything and everyone else faded into the background as they chatted and enjoyed what truly were the best burgers they had ever had. When it came time to share the shake, David moved from his seat across from Sophie and sat next to her. They giggled and slurped and enjoyed every last drop of that deliciously thick chocolate shake.

As Cindy returned to give them the check, David took note of her heavy shoulders. His memory took him back to another diner visit, the one where he had met the woman of his dreams. He remembered her long hours and the verbal abuse from some of the harder customers. He dug through his wallet and paid the bill, doubling the amount to give a hefty tip.

Sophie didn’t notice. She was just thrilled to be hand in hand with her favorite man. Date night with daddy was such a special treat.