STORY STARTER
Create a character inspired by these three words: hollow, crumpled, grinning.
Think about the physical and personality traits in which this character reflects these three descriptors.
Another Monday
“Mr. Callahan…?” A voice called out, “Such an annoying voice” he thought. “Mr. Callahan?, I have the paperwork you requested, sir…” He sighed deeply as he slowly opened his eyes and a timid, stuttering secretary came into view. “What is it?” He said harshly, “Your papers, sir” She said almost trembling with fear. He snatched the papers and flipped through them, “Leave.” The secretary bowed and hurriedly walked out of his office.
He scoffed as he threw the papers in the trash, muttering to himself, “Incompetent secretary, what do I even pay her for!? These are the wrong papers…” He rubbed his temples as he sighed heavily. His telephone rang, he froze as he saw it was from the president of the company, he straightened himself up, cleared his throat, and picked up the phone. “Hello, President-“ He said before being cut off, “Your fired.” Just as quick as he answered the call ended shortly.
The rain fell heavily as he walked to the parking lot, holding his keys in his hand as he walked to his usual parking spot but his car wasn’t parked there. “Fuck!” He yelled, “After all I’ve done for this shitty company, this is the thanks I get!?” He got an email from the new CEO it read, ‘Dear Killian Callahan, I thank you for your awesome help in managing my company but I think it was time you were let go, out with the old and in with the new you know, thanks again, The New CEO.’
Callahan grumbled all the way to the bus stop and sat at the bench, sitting for almost an hour before realizing that the bus doesn’t run on Monday nights, “I’ll just go to the bar instead…” The sound of bass blasting and people cheering can be heard a couple of blocks away, he showed his ID to the bouncer and was immediately accepted because of his ‘try me attitude’. He settled in the quiet bar area with his expensive bottle of whiskey and faced the crowd, silently observing when his eyes locked with someone who was watching him, he rolled his eyes as the boy approached.
“Hey” he said waving his hand, “You don’t mind if I sit here do you?” Callahan took a long sip of his whiskey as the boy sat down. “You don’t talk much do you?” He asked curiously, “I’m just having a rough night that’s all…” Callahan said coldly, “Then maybe I can make it better…” the boy said as he got closer. Callahan stopped mid sip and gave the boy a suspicious look, “How old are you?” He asked as he set his cup down, “Old enough…” The boy said as he placed his hand on Callahan’s thigh, squeezing and caressing the muscle underneath.
Callahan took the boys hand off him and shook his head, “One that doesn’t answer my question, two I don’t swing that way and three, you’re much too young to be with me.” the boy pouted, “I may look younger than I am but I’m actually 24.” He said softly, “Then you’re too young to hit on me…” Callahan said turning down the boys offer. “But I could make you feel really good though…” The boy whined, Callahan chuckled, “Go for someone your age” The boy narrowed his eyes as he straddled Callahan.
“Are you always this difficult with people who take an interest in you?” He then pressed himself against Callahan, “Get off, I’m not in the mood for this…” Callahan warned, “Why does my powers work on everyone else except you?” The boy said frustrated, “So you tried this before huh?” Callahan smirked and wrapped one arm around the boy. “So Andrei, how long have you been stalking me?” Andrei froze as Callahan said his name, “How do you know my name?” He asked nervously, “Just the same as how you know mine.”
“B-but how your not supposed to remember!?” Andrei said fearfully, Callahan leaned down and whispered in Andrei’s ear, “I thought I told you last time that no matter where we are I will always remember…”. Andrei got up abruptly and slowly backed away from Callahan, Callahan’s words and psychotic smile burned into his mind. “You always belong to me and no one else, you’re mine to keep…” Callahan watched as Andrei rushed out of the bar, he chuckled before closing his eyes and downing his bottle of whiskey, his smile fading as a voice interrupted his train of thought. “Mr. Callahan…?”