Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Write in the HUMOR genre (04/12/07)
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TITLE: A Puzzling Achievement | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jack Willard
04/15/07 -
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Then one day a friend told John about a new hobby he was trying. “I’ve started working on jigsaw puzzles.” His friend said. “It’s been challenging and very relaxing.”
Inspired, John left work a little early and on his way home stopped at a local toy store. He was surprised by the variety of puzzle choices. After spending a long time pouring over the different possibilities, he finally pick one out.
At dinner he showed his family the prize.
“Wow, Dad, that’s cool!” his son said.
“Pretty picture.” His daughter said.
His wife smiled and nodded. “Looks like you’ll have a lot of fun.”
As usual, after dinner, the kids settled down to watch their favorite TV programs and his wife started back into her sewing. John seated himself at a table on the far side of the living room, poured out the pieces of his puzzle, and started to work.
Before long all he could think about was getting home from work and spending time on his new hobby. Day after day, week after week, John spent his evening picking through the multi-colored shapes, working them in different directions, and then carefully placing them where they belonged.
“You were right.” He said one day to his friend. “Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to unwind at the end of the day.”
Occasionally, John’s family would ask him about his progress, but as time wore on they got bored and settled back into their routine, leaving him alone to work.
Then one evening, John suddenly stood up and began clapping his hands.
His family was startled, and ran over to see what all the commotion was.
“I did it!” John shouted. “I’ve finished.” John was beaming as his family stared down at the now complete puzzle.
“That’s great dad.” His son said.
“I like the flowers.” His daughter said.
Both children then ran back to the TV.
“So what are you going to do with it, now that you’re done?” his wife asked.
“Are you kidding? I am going frame this thing.”
His wife looked at him, trying to tell if he was serious.
“Really?” she asked, looking back down at the rather ordinary picture of wildflowers.
“You bet I am. I want everyone to see this.”
“But why? His wife leaned closer and said in low tone, “It’s just a picture of flowers.”
“That’s not the point. I must have broken some kind of record putting this thing together.” John’s smile was beginning to fade as he realized his wife had not grasped the enormity of his accomplishment.
“I thought you would be proud of me.” He said.
“Well, John, I guess I am, a little. But after all it’s just a puzzle.”
“I know, but think about how long it took.”
“That’s just it.” She said. “You have been working on this thing for over six months. I don’t mean to be insulting, but it doesn’t look that complicated.”
“What do you mean?” John asked, as he picked up the puzzle box. His wife leaned forward to see the small words written on the side.
“It says right here ‘Six to Nine Years’...”
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