Mini Short Stories: 2020 Volume 1

Freeze

Victor felt himself being pushed out of a wonderful dream in which he collected trophies and prizes for his academic success. He was on stage with his sister beaming at him. The lucrative cheque in his hands would pay for his education without having to burden Martina. That's why he had worked so hard at the mini mart for the last few years and studied assiduously every single day. Today was the last day. He jumped up suddenly.

"The time?" he demanded. "7 a.m. Isn't today test?" Martina asked as she pulled off her wet jacket. She shivered because of the chill of the air conditioning. "Why are you still here?" she questioned. Victor moved so fast that he felt his awakening brain freeze and throb. In five minutes he was dressed and ready to depart, but Martina started, "It's too stormy outside for you to travel." He was already at the front door and ignored her pleas to let her drop him off. Victor knew how hard her double shift must have been. He'd just get to school himself, do that final exam and get that scholarship. He consoled her and ran for a taxi while he prayed for a miracle.

Victor thought about being a journalist. His dreams always gave him burning hope and right now he was frigid after standing in the downpour and sitting by himself in a taxi which was blasting cold air. Journalism was his passion. He often watched BBC news and thought about uncovering truth and highlighting the Caribbean region globally. That would be a triumph for his culture and his family. He had to get to school on time first and pass this last test. He just had to get that scholarship and take care of his sister for a change. It might take a few more years, but he swore that he would do it. He rubbed his arms across his wet jacket. He was tired, wet and he hated being cold, but he believed in himself. He had studied hard and he knew it all. He wouldn't let this weather and getting up late derail him. "Driver! I will pay you extra to get me to CSBain Success School on Church Street before 8 a.m." Of course the driver haggled and they settled on an acceptable price.

It was 8:15 a.m. when he got there and rushed to his classroom where they had just started sharing the exam paper. He got in a seat with a sigh. Three hours later he called his sister who answered his call anxiously. "I am done Martina! And I think I did it, Martina! I think I did it!"

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Welcome back!

With Freeze I spent some time trying to think of how to represent this idea in the Caribbean. Everytime I thought 'freeze' even now 🙄😶😶 I kept thinking of ❄☃️.

Exactly!

Then I remembered complaining about the cold weather in Trinidad in January because of the wind and then I thought, "Well what about those people who still have their ac on despite how it is, especially when it's raining!"

Do you prefer cold weather 🌧🌨❄or hot weather🌞☀️🌡?

And just like that I got the environment or the physical setting.

After that I just the idea od a student struggling to win and wanting to make family proud.

Enter Victor and Martina.

What do you think of this story?

Also I am from Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹.
Where are you from? Drop your flag and country name HERE.

Comment💬. Share🤝. Follow.👀
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