Sunday, August 1, 2010

The Wounded Heart


I got back from vacation at 2:00 this morning, and it felt great to sleep in my own bed!

After rising late, I decided to take on Jenny Matlock's Saturday Centus challenge, wherein a prompt of several words is given, blended with a hundred of our own, and turned into a story...or at least, the beginnings of one. Here is my effort, and the prompt is in red letters:


The Wounded Heart

Cindy was crying in the shower when the doorbell played its cheerful tune. Once again, she regretted choosing “Bicycle Built for Two” as the chime, but changing it was Don’s department…or had been until 38 days ago, when he’d blown up their lives and walked out.

Who could it be? The Sunday morning parade of potential home-buyers? Already?

Dripping across the entryway, Cindy opened the front door and gasped. An army of red hearts on popsicle sticks fluttered like friendly flags across her yard. “You’ve been heart-attacked!” the largest one proclaimed.

She later blogged her feelings: That's why it meant so much...because I felt attacked...but this time, by kindness.

17 comments:

CB said...

I like the way you were able to use the prompt at the end - I would have wanted to start from the prompt and then I would have gotten lost - ha ha.
Sad story but a happy ending :D

Tgoette said...

That was a great story Sue! Very touching and heartfelt for sure. I love how she blogged about her feelings at the end. Perfect!

karen said...

There's nothing like a good story. I feel like a little kid sitting on the floor getting the story I just begged for. But it's like it's bedtime and I have to go before it's finished...

Tina said...

Oh what a great idea! You did this very well. I was scared to open that door...but then in relief it turned ou to be great!

Karen Mortensen said...

I love that last line. So profound and clever.

Viki said...

This would really be neat. Is there such a place that does this? If not, you should start up a business with it. I bet it would make a lot of money. Great idea and I loved your centus. Struck my heartstrings ;-)

alpinekleins said...

Great job - one of these days I really am going to participate as well . . . ah . . . one dream at a time :)

Kristin

alpinekleins said...

You are awesome, great job! One of these days I am going to participate as well . . . ah . . . well, one dream at a time I suppose :)

Kristin

Vicki/Jake said...

Everyone should have a *Happy Heart* moment...dripping wet and all :)
Fun way to use the prompt.

Jess said...

She's brave for answering the door dripping out of the shower- I ignore the door bell when I'm in such a state. Fantastic story Sue!

cj Schlottman said...

Sue,
I love this! Wouldn't we all love to open our doors to a "Heart Attack?" This is smart writing and good use of the prompt.

Thanks............cj

easternsparkle said...

Awww - just lovely :)

Darlene said...

I loved the "Happy Heart" moment too. I still don't know how you can do this and every time you do one, I want to know more about the story. It seems like there should be more to tell, but that is just because you are such a good writer!

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

Not only do I love this (you're endlessly imaginative), but I hope you don't mind if I actually do this for my husband at some point.

Malisa said...

What a special story! I was pleased that your character opened the door to an unexpected surprise. I really enjoyed your story this week.

I just posted my tardy contribution for the week. Hope you stop by and read!

Malisa

Terra said...

I have been in a really rough patch for several months - on perhaps one of the hardest of days I drove up to my house to find a huge hand markered Rainbow sign on porch with the HOPE neatly written below it. A friend.

I am blessed and your story bringing that memory back is also a blessing

Jenny said...

Sue, this was great! I love the "heart attacked" and it sure wasn't what I expected!

Wonderful link.

Thank you for sharing your talents with us.