That elicits a chuckle or two, which oddly enough calmed my nerves a bit. I certainly couldn't be accused of boring anyone with ponderous prose. Wasn't I off to a fine start with my first writers workshop! As it turns out? Yes, it was exactly what I needed to break out of the confines of my own mind and walk straight into opportunity. What a difference a day does make!
Intimidated by my own perceptions of people I didn't even know. It was time to push aside the road blocks of excuses and procrastination and step outside my comfort zone. I signed my name on the line, slapped the name badge on my chest as I moved to an empty seat. I used the introduction packet to look busy, kill the minutes until the presentation began. Come on I tell myself. Speak to someone. Didn't you read "The Fine Art of Small Talk" for just this type of situation?? Easier read than done! The workshop officially begins with the moderator having everyone in their turn, stand facing the group to introduce and share a little about themselves. I'm second and all I can come up with is " Hi, I'm Kim and I panic when I have to stand in front of a group and speak!"
That elicits a chuckle or two, which oddly enough calmed my nerves a bit. I certainly couldn't be accused of boring anyone with ponderous prose. Wasn't I off to a fine start with my first writers workshop! As it turns out? Yes, it was exactly what I needed to break out of the confines of my own mind and walk straight into opportunity. What a difference a day does make!
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(con't from prompt "intense")
"Don't shoot me, I'm Brandon Weston" he screamed at them spit flying from his mouth, body shaking with chills and terror. "Please let me up there, don't let those things get a hold of me! Please!" he begged the men that had him sighted in their rifle scopes. "PLEASE" he begged again frantically as he looked back over his shoulder at the carnage to see if any of those things had gotten closer. A shot whizzed by him as someone shouted his name. It took him a few seconds to register that Sgt. Pavilov was gesturing to him. Brandon clawed his way up the bank as if the hounds of hell were snapping at his heels. As he neared the top Sgt. Pavilov reached over the barrier and finished hauling him to safety just as a barrage of gunfire split the air. "What's happening, my faa....family" he gasped at the Sgt as he limply gestured in the direction from which he had just come. " Is your family safe?" questioned Pavilov. Choking back tears Brandon shook his head no. "Ok, ok, lets go get you some water and you can fill me in and I'll give you the details as we know them." Sgt. Pavilov stated as he gave Brandon a hand up from the ground. " It's a hell of a situation." Once inside the command center Brandon received a blanket and bottle of water. He followed Sgt. Pavilov as he headed up the curved staircase to the room they were using as the main base. As they walked in an officer immediately began relaying information. When he finished they conferred quietly for a minute then Pavilov gave a nod of his head and the officer left the room. He turned towards Brandon who was sitting on a bench seat wrapped in a wool blanket, wet hair plastered to his head looking tired and dazed. "Tell me about the situation on the other side of the river." Swallowing hard, Brandon began relating the details of the past couple of hours. When he finished speaking they both sat quietly for a minute or two caught up in their own thoughts. "How did this happen? Is it just around here?" Rubbing his rough hand across his face Sgt Pavilov sighed heavily "No, but we are unsure of how wide spread it is. We are assuming the cause is from something toxic. We put a call in to Homeland Security but things spiraled out of control quickly leaving us in this position until help arrives." Standing up he gave Brandons knee a pat and said" Rest here for a bit, I'll have some one bring dry clothes to you then get you armed and oriented." Closing his eyes and trying not to think about all the horrific images that assailed him, Brandon knew that he was on his own now and this was the safest place to be at the moment. The only thing left of his family were the treasured memories. I stayed as long as I possibly could. It wasn't bad when I first arrived here in this place. All my basic needs were met and it was protected from outside sources. Virtually no worries. A few others arrived shortly after me so I wasn't lacking for company either. Over time it had gotten crowded and conditions became uncomfortable which resulted in quite a bit of friction between everyone. It was time for me to leave this safe haven and in the process find out how much things might have changed over time.
Despite the fear of not knowing what to expect on this journey I was eager to get started. With no clear idea of the way out I figured my instincts would guide me. Exiting from the main chamber into the dark corridor I was feeling a little unsure and insecure. Maybe I should have convinced one of the others to go with me. Too late for that now. We were all keenly aware of the fact that once you made the choice to leave there was no going back. Alone and scared I followed the narrow passage way touching the walls as I went as much for reassurance as finding my way along. The further along I got, the stronger the sensation of being in a tunnel. I thought I would be fine as long as it didn't become any smaller. It took some considerable time and effort before I came to what appeared to be an exit. Its small size would force me to work myself slowly through which made me vulnerable to whatever was on the otherside. Once I started through I could see light but not its source and I could make no sense of the noise I was hearing. Honestly, I was a little panicked by the strangeness of this place and I cried out before I could stop myself. Suddenly, I heard something familiar. A voice. I had heard it singing and talking quite often before I started my journey from the other place. Listening to it calmed me and I felt a measure of safety. I had the thought that maybe it wouldn't be long before some of the others followed after me. Knowing I wouldn't lack for company, I smiled. |
AuthorHello, I'm Kim Hitzges. I am a writer, photographer, and mixed media artist who is following the magic that guides my life. Archives
June 2021
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