| writing exercise: begin your story with a famous first sentence from a famous novel (Henry Miller, Tropic of Cancer) |
Transition |
| Boris was shaving his armpits when I entered the apartment. "Performing at Domino's tonight?" I inquired. "Sure," he replied. "Over the Rainbow? Sound of Music?" "Please." "Just joshing. What are you going to sing?" "Chain of Fools." "Ooooh, chain chain chain... " "And we all know who the fool is." "Well we each have our own little boat to row, buddy." "Yeah but yours is leaking." "Speaking of which... I've been offered a job! I have to leave tonight, they're sending me to Rio to cover the parade. But I'm not sure if I'm coming back, I've been thinking about moving to a new city, maybe a new country. I've been living out of a suitcase for so long and it feels like it's time to move on. So I just wanted to see you one more time and let you know how much I've appreciated our friendship and all the help you've given me." "S'okay Mike. But you never know, like you, I might not be here anymore even if you do return." "What? Surgery?! Where did you get the money?" "A very generous friend." "Who shall remain anonymous." "He wanted to and he can afford it, I assure you." "Well I'll be damned! Now I'll have to come back just to see the new you. When is it?" "Next Wednesday." "Wow. How are you feeling?" "Shaky frankly. Dr. Hagen is well respected but I'm really afraid of what might happen." "I certainly would be. But this is what you've been waiting for for ten years Boris, don't stop now." "I came to the same conclusion yesterday." "I can't leave now! I have to be at Domino's tonight to hear you sing one last time. So I'll see you there. Wear the stretch miniskirt and bring down the house." "I always do." |