Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of “A Stitch in Time Saves Nine” (without using the actual phrase or literal example). (01/03/08)
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TITLE: The Procrastination Gene | Previous Challenge Entry
By Laury Hubrich
01/09/08 -
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Muffled sounds came from the closed bedroom door. “Mo-om, it's Friday. I'll do it tomorrow.”
“Clean your room, then.”
“Okay.”
“Remember, your dad wants you to shovel the sidewalk before Grams and Gramps get here.”
“Yeah, Mom, I'll get right on that.”
Sally faced her husband. “I don't know if I can do this anymore, Greg. Robbie's got to learn that he has to get things done. More than that, he's got to do what we say. He's not showing us any respect.”
“Honey, I know, but I think this will work.”
“What if it doesn't? He'll rule the house.”
“Trust me, my parents perfected this method. They raised me, Sally. They've been through all this. Did you forget? Robbie has it in his genes.”
“Ah, yes, the procrastination gene. I'm so glad Sammi is like me. Okay, we'll do it your way but I'm not sure I'm going to like this.”
“Here's what we're going to do...”
“Robbie, we're picking up Grams and Gramps soon.”
“I know, Sammi. Get out, will ya?”
“Your room's a mess. How can you play video games all day long?”
“Hmmm… Is supper ready?”
“Mom said not yet. Maybe later.”
“Maybe later? Whatever. Just call me when it's ready.”
“Robbie! Time to go.”
“Huh? What? Be down in a second.”
“So, 'Brains Of This Operation,' how long do we wait?”
“We don't. He's shown us all day that he's not moving. Sammi, remember we're using the back door.”
Sammi stood rubbing her back. “Dad, how could I forget?”
Hunger pains won out as Robbie tore himself away from the TV screen. He stepped over a pile of dirty clothes and hopped over his backpack full of homework waiting to be done. Robbie bent over to dodge his basketball hoop that had a wet towel hanging from it then stubbed his toe on his football spikes that he never got around to putting away. This made him pop his head up and get slapped in the face with cold reality--the wet towel. “Sammie's right. This room is messy.”
“Mom,” Robbie called. “Sammie? Dad? Anybody home?” The house stood quiet. He flipped on the hallway light. “Mom? I'm hungry.” He started down the steps, then stopped and swallowed hard. Hanging from the banister were winter coats and wet socks and mittens. Clothes were haphazardly thrown on the steps. He stepped high to detour the mess and squeaked out a half-hearted, “Daddy?”
The front room was no better. Dirty dishes sat on the coffee table. Beside his dad's recliner was at least a week's worth of newspapers. His mom's chair had coupon clippings scattered about and Sammie's homework was on the floor.
Robbie raced to the front door but when he opened it snow tumbled around his feet. To his utter amazement he was face-to-face with a wall of snow. “What’s going on? I must be losing my mind.” He plopped down on a nearby chair and put his head in his hands. After a few minutes he started giggling and laughed even harder when he snorted.
“God, Mom and Dad are trying to teach me a lesson, right? All I've been doing is playing video games. I haven't done what they asked me to do. They must think I don't respect them or You. I'm sorry, Lord.”
Robbie went to the backdoor where he found a shovel with a note on it that said, 'Get to work, Son.' He shoveled the snow away from the door and on down the sidewalk. As soon as the sidewalk was cleared he heard the van drive up. He ran as best as he could in snow boots and gave his parents a bear hug. “I'm so sorry. Will you forgive me?”
Greg looked at Sally with an 'I told you so' look. “Of course we do.”
Robbie hugged his grandparents. “Gramps, what's up with the beard?”
“Well, I've been meaning to shave but just haven't had the time.”
“Robbie, we need to talk about a procrastination gene we men were born with but first we have a mess to clean up.”
“Dad, I can’t believe Mom let you trash the house just to teach me a lesson. And blocking the door with snow? Now that’s a classic! Not only are you guys messy but you’re crazy!”
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Ok, I'll admit it: I have the procrastination gene--now please promise not to do this to me!! :)
I really like this--I'll have to try this on my kids! Good one!! :) :) Hugs! (sure hope you are who I think you are! lol)
I don't feel like you need the last paragraph - it kind of made the ending sizzle, at least in my opinion.
I could have used this "remedy" when I was a teen! Keep writing.
Consider ending it right when Grandpa says "Well, I've been meaning to shave but I just haven't had the time." That's a great punchline, and it ties in well with your title.
Cute story--I like the piled-up snow and the note.
Boy that must have been a lot of trouble making such a big mess. But it was worth it and a neat way to bring home the stitch in time lesson. Really cute story.