STORY STARTER
Submitted by Reagan Stanton
Write a scene where your character is wrong or in denial about something, but doesn’t know it yet.
Can your character still be likeable or understandable in this moment?
Denial Behind Laughter
I ran to him, my smile wider than it ever had, my heart singing louder than it ever had sung. He caught me, but upon impact we tumbled to the grassy ground. I laughed, sighing when I rested my head on his chest. I couldn't see his expression but he must've been smiling too. We lay there for a moment then he let go of me and we clambered to our feet.
"What have you organised?" I asked happily.
"Molly, I..."
"Pizza? My favourite?"
"Molly, I have something to say..."
"Tell me after dinner. You know I'm weird in that I like surprises," I interrupted jokingly, sliding my arm into his and pullimg him toward the pizza restaurant down the street. He moved reluctantly and I looked back. His grim expression caused my heart to flutter with worry slightly but I pushed it down.
"Turn that frown upside down," I said, pushing his eyebrows up with my free hand. His skin was flaming to the touch, then I stopped, pressing my hand to his face. "Are you okay? You're heating up," I asked with concern. His eyes cast down to the ground, looking almost ashamed.
"Yes, but Molly, I really need to say this..."
"I said after dinner." We continued walking, trying not to let my high mood flatten from how dreary he was being.
"No," he said after a moment in a firm voice. I rolled my eyes. We were almost near the restaurant now. I was starving.
"I'm breaking up with you," he said bluntly. I stopped. I turned around to fully face him. I burst into laughter.
"Haha, funny joke."
"I'm serious."
"Sure you are," I snorted, crossing my arms.
"Molly, you've felt this coming for weeks. Stop denying it..."
"It's freezing isn't it?" I interrupted. "I'm also starving. Are you done yet?" He slumped his shoulders.
"After then," he muttered, face dark.