Stretch: The Invisible Boy
Writing Exercise #45
ANNOUNCEMENT: I decided, for a bit of a break, I am going to take December off from writing exercises. I will expand on what I plan to do instead in the December Update which comes December 1. Duel will continue as scheduled, but the writing exercises will free up a little bit of space for some fun and exciting things coming in 2024. Keep an eye out for the December Update!
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Enjoy!
Stretch: Write about the invisible boy
Once upon a time, there was an invisible boy. He wasn’t really invisible, but no one ever paid him mind. He might as well have been invisible. He would go here and there, go to shops, try to talk to people, and no one really listened or cared.
This used to bother him. The invisible boy didn’t like feeling invisible. But what could he do? He figured out how to do things himself, without a mentor. He figured out how to learn things himself, without a teacher. He did things that he felt were achievements, and consoled himself that the achievement didn’t need recognition to be an achievement. In short, the invisible boy learned to be satisfied in his own company.
One day, the boy decided it was time that he put his skills to good use, and build himself a decent home. He picked a plot of land, and because no one paid him any mind, he started building there.
He built a long stone wall around the property, and a strong and sturdy home that served him well.
The people of the town noticed this structure rising up, and came by to talk to the invisible boy.
“I don’t agree with how you’re building this,” said a stonemason. “but I will wait and hope for the best.”
“I don’t like where you’re building this,” said a carpenter. “It would be much better over there on that plot of land.”
“I don’t like what your house looks like,” said an architect. “In fact I am rather upset that you didn’t ask my opinion.”
Soon, the house was finished. It had a high stone wall, and was a modest and simple—but strong and hardy dwelling. The invisible boy was content to live there and be satisfied with his own company, while the town griped outside the wall.
One day, someone politely rang the bell at the gate.
“Hello, sir, I would like to see what you have built.” the stranger said.
The invisible boy came to the gate to speak with them. “You can see quite plainly from where you stand what I have built. It is a home.”
“It looks like a good home. May I come in?”
“If only for a time, sure.” The invisible boy, suspicious, opened the gate.
He opened the gate and let the stranger in. The stranger looked with wonder at the house and the fence and the property. “You did all this yourself?”
“I did.” the invisible boy said.
“You must be very proud.”
“I am.” The invisible boy replied.
“Do you need anything?”
The invisible boy didn’t know how to answer. He had learned to be satisfied with his own company. He had learned to get everything for himself. He had learned not to expect anything from anyone. The question caught him off guard.
“Uh, I don’t know. But, for your kindness, maybe you could come back one day? Let’s have tea and speak of old times.”
The stranger nodded. “That would be great. Thank you for letting me into your home.”
The stranger left, and waded through the crowd. The invisible boy didn’t feel so invisible any more.
(528 words )
The Promptee Has Become The Promptor
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:
Have you ever felt invisible?
What skill are you most proud of having?
What do you eat or drink when you catch up with old friends?
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!
There’s a castle not too far from us that a guy built more or less by himself! We visited it a year or so ago. A super neat and wild experience.
I really enjoyed this! It belongs in a storybook