Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Straight From the Horse’s Mouth (11/14/13)
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TITLE: A Hard Case | Previous Challenge Entry
By Steve McClure
11/20/13 -
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“We’re only telling you what we saw,” one of the others offered. “I would think you’d find it good news.”
“Well, I don’t,” he retorted, running his hands through his curly, black hair. “Because I don’t believe it. It’s just not possible.” He turned on his heels and walked out the door, slamming it behind him.
He descended the stairs, out into the dusty street, and walked hurriedly through the crowded marketplace. The bright, late-morning sun was already heating up the day, and he began to sweat as he continued his rapid pace. He passed the last market booth and turned down a narrow, dark (and cooler) alley. Near the end of the alley he stopped suddenly and stared straight ahead. “What if it were true?” he thought. “But, no…things like that don’t happen.” He sat down on a bench against the alley wall and held his head in his hands, burying his fingers in his curly hair.
He just sat, head in hands. Morning passed into afternoon and the sun began to peek into the alley, heating it up. A passerby recognized the curly-headed young man and sat down beside him. “Haven’t seen you in a while,” he said. “Where’ve you been?”
“Here and there,” Curly responded, looking up. He saw that he was addressing a former co-worker whom he hadn’t seen in a few years. “Has been a while, hasn’t it,” he continued. “I’m not in that line of work anymore.”
“What are you doing, now?” asked the co-worker.
“Nothing, right now,” blurted Curly. “Things have kind of gone to pieces.”
“What do you mean?” queried the co-worker.
“Nothing, really. It’s just that there’s been a change I’ve got to deal with. I’ll work it out.
“Anything I can help with?” the co-worker pursued.
“No. Not now, anyway. I’ve just got to think through some things.”
“Well, I’m still at the old place, if you need anything,” offered the co-worker.
“Do you believe extraordinary things can happen?” Curly asked abruptly.
“Extraordinary? Like miracles?” probed the co-worker.
“Yeah, I guess so,” mused Curly. “Something like a miracle.”
“Why do you ask?” pursued the co-worker.
“Oh, some guys I know think they’ve seen something. But they’re mistaken, I’m sure of it.”
“What did they see?” prodded the co-worker.
“It’s nothing, really. It doesn’t matter. They’re just being silly.” Curly got up to leave.
“Nice to see you again,” called out the co-worker.
“Yeah, same here,” Curly responded, striding away. “See you again, sometime.”
Curly headed back the way he came. He strolled through the marketplace, watching shop-owners of all kinds trying to entice potential buyers into looking at their wares. He spied a flat of juicy-looking red apples that reminded him he hadn’t eaten all day. He haggled with the owner over the price of an apple, and finally left in disgust – he didn’t have much money, either. He caught sight of the stairs that led up to where his friends were…his silly friends. He climbed the stairs.
He burst into the room as quickly as he had left. His entry startled some, but the rest paid not much attention.
“You back?” asked one.
“I’m back,” Curly acknowledged. “But don’t go thinking I’ve changed my mind. It’s just that…I’ve got nowhere else to go.”
“Well, you’re always welcome here,” someone said.
“We’re all in this together, you know,” stated another.
“Yeah, I know,” Curly said sullenly.
“Come and sit with us,” invited yet another.
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Evening. Light was beginning to fade from the room. Little conversation passed among the men. Most seemed lost in thought.
Then, another figure was standing in the room. The figure motioned for Curly to approach. Stunned, Curly hesitantly approached.
“Look,” the figure said, holding up his hand. What do you see? And look here,” he said, pointing to his side. “Thomas, it is I.”
Curly trembled, falling to his knees. “My Lord and my God!” he exclaimed.
“Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” [John 20:29 – ESV]
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Many have wondered where Thomas was when he missed the first appearing of Jesus to the apostles, but now "we know".
Very good descriptions of scenes and of emotions.
Sometimes thoughts and ideas just seem to come. These make the story easier to write.
When ideas do come - go ahead and write even though you may never know who will ever read it.