10:40 am. Saturday, June 19, 2032
"And they both knew,
Love couldn't save them this time."
I stare at my computer, reading, rereading, memorizing the words.
My assignment in my creative writing class: using the prompt given, create a story that takes place in the 19th century and has to include some sort of intense plot twist. And not just any story. I needed a full, at least 12,000 words, 12 chapter story that was original.
Meaning, if two people did the same idea, points would be taken off.
I rub my temples and took some deep breaths. I had another two weeks to finish it, but in between thinking of an original, creative plot and balancing my writing with homework from other classes, it'd be tough.
Aveena hands me my hot chocolate, and grins brightly, revealing her teeth slightly crooked. This time I ordered hot chocolate with a shot of espresso, hoping it would wake me up a bit more.
My insomnia was getting worse. Last week I was able to get an hour to two hours sleep, this week I could barely get 30 minutes. And even those 30 minutes were mostly tossing and turning with my eyes closed in an attempt to fall into deep slumber.
I took a small sip of the drink handed to me, feeling better already. The rich sweetness of the hot chocolate and slightly bitter edge of the espresso blended better than I expected.
Ideas swirled in my head, some weirder than others.
What if there were a man named Love who saved two turtles when they were babies during the 19th century and they lived for 200 years? But then they were kidnapped by Love's great-grandchildren and without water, they died?
Oooh, what about a demon and angel that were in love, and their love saved them the first time they met, in the 19th century, but then the second time in the 21st century they get in trouble?
Or like what if there was a magical mirror that was called 'Love' and it could transport people back in time, but only once? And two siblings that were being chased by murderers or something found the mirror, the mirror transporting them to safety in the 19th century, but then when they wanted to get back because of some dangers (like the Civil War or something) Love couldn't save them?
'What ifs' were the easiest way to brainstorm. Think of ways that things could mess up, think of ways things could go bad.
Or vice versa, think of ways miracles could happen, ways that things could be better than ever.
Either way, I now had the inspiration to write my, hopefully creative, story so I propped open my laptop and set off to google docs.
Only to see a new notification pop up.
I had forgotten about the emails from you, having been stressed and tired all week, I really wasn't feeling up for anything.
But now with the rush of caffeine from the espresso shot and the aroma of coffee in the air, I felt up for anything.
So I click on the notification.
Hey,
Remember when my dog used to love you more than he loved me, and you weren't even a dog person? (I'm still hurt by that by the way, the betrayal is real).
P.S. I guess you're right, we really don't fare well without each other.
P.P.S. Orange Fanta is amazing, and you will never convince me otherwise. Are you still obsessed with hot chocolate?
YOU ARE READING
Remember When
Short Story"Hey, Remember when you and I were sitting next to each other for about half an hour watching a movie and you didn't notice that you were leaning on me and thought I was a wall?" A series of emails about memories of days long past.
