Just lettin’ the muse drive at this point.
If you have ideas for Prompts, Crunches, Sprints, Relays, Stretches, Fables, or other writing exercises in the future, please leave them in the comments! If you would like to write your own take for this exercise, please comment with a link so that I can see what you wrote and support your work, maybe even share your version with my subscribers. Please let me know if you have any thoughts, comments, or constructive criticisms as well!
Enjoy!
Crunch: The Argument
“You did what?”
“I sold it.”
“Just like that.”
“Yes.”
“Who told you you could sell it?”
“Uh, nobody. It’s mine. You gave it to me.”
“You ungrateful piece of—”
“I don’t understand why you are so mad.”
“That watch had been passed down for five generations.”
“Yeah annnnd I needed money, so I sold it.”
“How could you be so f---- dense?”
“It’s just a watch.”
“It’s just a watch. He means it. Just a watch. God in heaven. Just a watch—do you know the story behind the watch?”
“Yeah great-great-Grampa so-and-so saved up to buy it, there’s some life lesson involved, yadda yadda, passed it down—”
“It was loved and cherished by four generations before you. Does that mean nothing?”
“Uh…should it?”
“Do you know what the word empathy means?”
“Yeah, look, I’m sorry, ok? Rent was due. I didn’t want the watch. I didn’t need the watch. I needed money. I told you this. You know I have been struggling to get on my feet since I got home. Don’t get all high-and-mighty on me. Do you want me to be homeless, but know what time it is? How does that help anyone?”
“I’m trying here, ok? I really am. Every time I reach out I feel like you turn me back.”
“I don’t need you to reach out right now, don’t you understand? You’re not my biggest problem. Yes, Grampa’s watch, that’s nice, I appreciate it. I can’t afford food. Understand?”
(250 words )
Talk to me!
Your feedback helps to improve my writing. I would really appreciate a comment on your thoughts on this writing exercise. Consider telling me your thoughts about:
You ever have an argument where you just aren’t speaking the same language?
What’s your favorite argument captured in Cinema? No Monty Python we already know that wins.
Are you a stress-eater like me? What’s your stress-food?
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy! Come back next week for another writing exercise!
Have you taken a look at the section called “The Volume” recently? All my longer-form stories are kept there! Be sure to take a look and catch up on any stories you’ve missed!
Thank you and God bless!
While I understand rent was due… I don’t think I would ever get behind selling an heirloom like that. Did he have nothing else to sell? Maybe get another job? Maybe I’m being too harsh? I’m horrified!
I really like the back and forth dialogue here. It packs an emotional punch 🤜
Is this the same watch from the other story about the heirloom they didnt want? Was that your take on that prompt?