The Park

 The park in my neighborhood has its own perks. It is not just an extended backyard for me; it is also a place to socialize amid nature.

Every evening before sunset, I tend to go for a stroll and bump into familiar faces, which has become my norm. Although we were strangers at first, we now look forward to seeing each other at our favorite spot and sharing a smile. As these gatherings have become a part of my daily routine, I’ve started to feel a comforting sense of belonging. Crossing paths with these neighbors makes the park feel warmer and fills me with hope, easing the sense of loneliness that sometimes creeps in. These meetings remind me that even in a busy world, small connections can make all the difference.

First to arrive is Marissa, a young girl who loves to sketch the trees and any activity happening around them. She sits on a particular bench and gazes at the coast live oak tree, which is home to various birds and bees and, as a result, is full of chirps that attract dogs and their owners.  

Next would be Mr. David, a retired soldier who loves to take his daily walks. His favorite spot is to sit and watch the trees and the play structure, where children hum like bees. His smile clearly indicates that he is reminiscing about his past, as do his occasional waves.

Next is me with a stroller for a 2-year-old baby. I try to get some fresh air and take my mind off the laundry, dishes, and all the chores that never seem to end. I let my baby play in the play structure while I get a breather on the bench, with constant eye contact with him.

Lastly, there would be a young, starving musician, Joe, who would strum his guitar while sitting in one of the benches facing the play structure. The soothing music would be more for people like me, Marissa, and Mr. David on the bench than for the children, who would be too busy using the slides, the swings, and the bars.

This music was the ignition for all the conversations among the four of us, where we talked about our past and our turmoil in the present as we hoped for a bright future. What began with strangers ended with a shared comfort, as the park, the music, and the setting left us with smiles and stories in the evening air before we drifted off in our directions. 

Why is fiction predominantly negative?

Fiction is a class of literature that comprises works of imaginative narration. It is something invented, imagined, and made up.

We all cherish fiction for how it ignites our imagination and sends shivers down our spine, especially when a character is swept away by emotions we, too, might experience. It's the joy of storytelling that we all relish.

Recently, there has been a surge of difficult-to-conceive fictional stories that stretch the limits of what we can fathom. These stories often carry a heavy dose of negativity, with elements of horror that seem illogical and unsettling, and can be pretty disturbing. This excessive negativity can linger in a person's mind, making it difficult to relax and sleep peacefully at night.

Sometimes, I wonder if humanity tests its endurance by stretching a rubber band until it loses its elasticity, leading to devastation!!

Some argue that it is just plain imagination.

Still, this artistry that overpowers one's imagination does not lift spirits; it just gives nightmares.

I also agree that after turmoil comes spring, which is beautiful. An individual tends to embrace it with self-composure and dignity since he has seen the ugly side. But why scare the wits out of a man to show him the beautiful side of this creation? We are intelligent beings who appreciate it anyway!

How about doing it subtly?

Life can often feel overwhelming, with challenges piling up like fragile eggs in a basket, each one at risk of cracking under pressure. These cracks may form from our decisions or unforeseen circumstances that life throws our way, like sudden loss in family, health issues, success in the workplace, or unexpected relationship troubles. As we navigate these difficulties, we do so with determination and hope, gently touching our fate as though we could reshape it. We cling to the belief that taking thoughtful steps can mend our broken journeys and illuminate our future with brighter possibilities.

As writers, let's strive for a more balanced approach in our fiction, eliminating the overwhelming negativity that can hinder development in all aspects. A well-rounded narrative is key to engaging and uplifting our readers so they can navigate through their ugliness with the hope that there is light at the end of their dark tunnel.

Mantra for today: Negativity of all forms shuts the door of progress.

Are You Coming Tonight?

Sarla asked, "Hey! Are you coming tonight?" 

There was a slight pause on the other end. 

Sarla urged, "Oh! Come on, the pandemic is over. We all have to meet in person. Everyone is coming!" 

Macy sighed heavily before responding, "What's the point of meeting? We talk on the phone every day. I have nothing new to add." 

There was a lack of enthusiasm in her tone. 

 "I understand where you're coming from, but we must bring the fish out of the water. Let's cherish the moments of physical touch and not let technology take that away from us," 

 In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story about a fish out of water. What is the source of the tension? The characters, the action, the setting? Or, is it literally a story about fish, real or metaphorical? Go where the prompt leads!

Why is fiction predominantly negative?

Fiction is a class of literature that comprises works of imaginative narration. It is something invented, imagined, and made up.

We all cherish fiction for how it ignites our imagination and sends shivers down our spine, especially when a character is swept away by emotions that we, too, might experience in our lives. It's the joy of storytelling that we all relish.

Recently, there has been a surge of difficult-to-conceive fictional stories. These stories often carry a heavy dose of negativity and, at times, seem illogical, with unsettling elements that can be pretty disturbing. This excessive negativity can linger in a person's mind, making it difficult to relax and sleep peacefully at night.

Sometimes, I wonder if humanity tests its endurance by stretching a rubber band until it loses its elasticity, leading to devastation.

Some argue that it is just plain imagination. Still, this artistry that overpowers one's imagination does not lift spirits, and it just gives plain darn nightmares. I also agree that after turmoil comes spring, which is beautiful, and an individual tends to embrace it with self-composure and dignity since he has seen the ugly side.

Life is already so complicated, and the eggs in our basket are cracking either due to our actions or the circumstances that unfold, leading to more struggles as we brush our fate fondly with the hope of brightening our destiny.

As writers, let's strive for a more balanced approach in our fiction, eliminating the overwhelming negativity that can hinder development in all aspects. A well-rounded narrative is key to engaging and uplifting our readers.

Mantra for today: Negativity of all forms shuts the door of progress