Crunch: The Third Story
Writing Exercise #42
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Enjoy!
Crunch: Conflicting Points of View
There’s three sides to every story: My side, their side, and the truth. This is my story. I went to the store, and I bought everything I needed to cook the recipe. I had a nice conversation with the clerk in the store—Mr. Gerry. Mr. Gerry made some suggestions to improve my recipe, which I wrote down. I was cooking this meal because I want to be a better cook, and it was a kind of adventuresome practice. I followed the recipe, and modified it for Mr. Gerry’s advice, which proved helpful. The recipe was delicious. I was plating for myself when a neighbor dropped by unannounced. We had an amicable conversation and I invited my neighbor, Mr. Jones, to stay for a bite. After sampling some, Mr. Jones left in haste, grumbling.
= = =
There’s three sides to every story: Their side, my side, and the truth. This is my story. I am Mr. Thomas’ neighbor. He has had it out for me since he moved in—always slighting me in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. There’s the time he took my parking space, and the time he stole my mail and brought it over to me. Well, I resolved to complain to him about loud music I had heard through the walls, and he said he was cooking. He invited me to try. I want to be a good neighbor to Mr. Thomas, truly. So I tried. The meal was awful. If I hadn’t rushed home to take some medicine, I am certain I would have food poisoning right now. Mr. Thomas clearly has it out for me.
(269 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:
What’s a hidden point of view from a favorite story you’d like to see told?
Don’t you hate it when it’s hard to agree on what happened?
What’s the most complicated meal you know how to cook?
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoy! Come back next week for another writing exercise!
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Thank you and God bless!
1. I couldn't think of anything offhand, but I checked my Facebook which was where I used to post questions like this and now I wonder what Sarah thought when Abraham and Isaac got back from Mount Moriah. Did she know about the whole sacrifice deal? What happened when she found out? That must've been some conversation, huh?
2. As a lawyer, YES. (I mean, I'm not a practicing one, but even so, YES).
3. ...I can do frozen pizzas or grilled cheese sandwiches, and that's about it.
Good example of why you should never try to befriend your neighbors. Stick with people a little further away so if it all goes south in some mutually incomprehensible manner you can more easily ignore each other.