This is the first time I’ve completed a writing prompt-and shared it. I figured it was about time. This week the prompt on Red Writing Hood was to write about my version of 8:00 -AM or PM, fiction or creative nonfiction- in 200 words or less.
Here it is…Exactly 200 words. Sharing my creative writing makes me nervous-sweaty palms and all.
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I was waiting for it like I always do. It’s become an addiction I know. At first I would lay in bed waiting for the first gong to emanate from the belfry; by the second I was usually at my window waiting for it. The second ringing of the bell only two hours after the first Angelus of the morning was strange. What was stranger still was-no one else seemed to notice.
Now I don’t even bother waiting in bed-no one cares what time I wake or don’t wake, which is convenient because they also don’t notice my disappearance every day at the same time.
I held my breath waiting for the seventh carillon to emanate from the tower. The skin on my arms rose up in goose-flesh as the vibrations hit me. Then came the eighth chime, to my ears it always sounded different than the others before it. It’s melody echoing off the walls only to lay itself at my feet.
That’s when it happened. I exhaled feeling the relief I always did. Seeing him meant I wasn’t crazy, and the drugs they think I take really are unnecessary.
He was on time. That was all that mattered.
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socialite
I could practically hear them as I was reading. This was SO good!
I love the curiosity- the wanting more!
I am so happy you shared!!
First of all, welcome! I’m so very glad that you wrote and linked!
Second of all, this is a fab start- you’ve left breadcrumbs that we’re all gobbling at- ready for more. Keep ringing those bells-, they’re clearly working for you!
That last line had me breathless. Nice job, I love how little information you convey while at the same time creating unbearable tension. Look forward to reading more posts!
So unexpected, I love it!
I loved how this explored sound, and the narrator’s physical response to the bells.
There’s an element of expertise to this, by the use of the correct words and the overall vocabulary.
I, too, and curious and compelled by the final line.
Yay! I’m so glad you decided to share your writing prompt response this time! I really like the imagery. I also like that it makes me want more…
This certainly vibrated, Nicole. I shall listen to the church bell across the square quite differently now! I liked the ambiguity and having so many questions unanswered.
This certainly vibrated, Nicole. I shall listen to the church bell across the square quite differently now! I liked the ambiguity and having so many questions unanswered.
Oh, that’s intriguing. The Angelus brought me in, & now I’m wondering who and where and all kinds of fun questions.
So beautiful. I can’t wait to read more.
I’m so glad you’ve joined us at Write on Edge!!
This was so vivid and beautiful!
Ooh, I want to know more. Great post.
This is beautiful Nicole! You did a great job.
Your writing is beautiful!
Beautiful and I want to hear more. You should keep doing the prompts!
I love church bells. This really pulled me in, and the last line was so simple, yet telling.
Great job! I’m glad you linked it up!
I am intrigued. It wasn’t clear whether your character was male or female, and I felt that might have added to the story to know. There’s a big difference between a monk waiting for a visitation and a woman waiting for a lover.
I loved your description of listening for the last chime. You made me imagine that the bells were ringing right outside!