Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: FIZZLE (06/09/16)
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TITLE: As One: We Rise or Fall | Previous Challenge Entry
By Hugh Houchin
06/16/16 -
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He logged on his computer and clicked the Microsoft Word icon. A blank page split the outside boundaries of the pale blue screen. He stared at it; a replica of his creativity.
“C’mon Doppleganger I need help.” Silence echoed through the uninspired and blank mind that lay between Derwood’s ears.
A voice penetrated that vacuum. “Derwood, my friend, you called? Sorry, but I went back to the old country for an apparition festival.”
Impatience imploded into Derwoods introspection. “Why were you in Germany when I need you here?”
“It didn’t take me long to get back. We may be one, but were still individuals. What can I do for us? What are you doing for us?”
“What do you mean ‘what can I do for us’ and ‘what are you doing for us?’ ”
“Someday, Derwood, you’ll understand.”
“I’ll never understand us; whatever us is. Remember, it’s only been a couple of pictures on a calendar page since you made your uninvited entrance into my life.”
“You mean three.”
“Three?”
“Three pictures on a calendar page.”
“Ok, ok, three months. More like an eternity.”
“That may come true.”
“I hope not, for the sake of our dual oneness.”
“Let us not go there Derwood.”
“You’re probably right. Where was I? Oh ya, me, understanding us. Via a puff of vapor, through the keyhole of my apartment door, you entered. After unvaporizing, or whatever you did, you informed me you’re Doppleganger, which is both your name and what you are. I googled Doppleganger. Supposedly, you’re a ghostly apparition of an alter ego that migrated from Germany, eons ago. Give me a break.”
“Derwood, it’s true, you’re my alter ego that I’ve sought over the centuries. Because I too am an author, I searched writer’s conferences trying to find my one-in-sameness. I went to many, but finally found you in New England, at “Old Writing Habits Revisited.
“Now we’re history; for me, some of it ancient. Nevertheless, I’m here to work with us. How come, a few minutes ago, were you trying to reach us?”
A ghostly essence filled the room with warmth. (Did it come from Doppleganger or from a Doppleganger, or both?)
Derwood pretended he wasn’t confused. “I’m studying the website
ForeverWritten, which, from what you say about the one of us, is perfect.
“They sponsor a weekly writing contest called The Venture. Each week they unveil a word for members to write a story around. I want to join for us but don’t want to blow the contest. I want to know you’ll always be here so, as one, we can write together?”
Derwood saw a grin that could stretch across eons engulf Dobblegangers facial features. A voice tumbled from that mass, “You catch on quick.”
Derwood’s questioning look covered his face. “I don’t understand.”
“I’m excited; just listen to you. You’re mingling we, us, you, and I, as one together.”
“Ok, ok, I guess. Then are we separately as one with this? If so, I’ll fill out the entry form and you pay the first year’s membership, for us who are one.”
Doppleganger shook his head. “I’ve experienced many universal niches, but I fell in that one. We owe you, for me.
Together they laughed.
In less than 30 minutes, collectively, Derwood completed the application for the two of them, and Dobbleganger paid their indivisible yearly dues.
“Derwood, which half of us is the better one?”
“Well, you’re sitting on yours.”
“You win; let’s just write. What’s this week’s word?”
“It’s Success; in 750 words. Doppleganger, as you flitted through eras, cultures, and time zones, to you, what’s success?”
His flow of thought had a serious tone but eyes that twinkled. “Success is a response for a particular time and circumstance.”
“That’s vague.”
“So’s success.”
Soon, the two individuals of sameness huddled over the computer. They shared ideas from different vantage points; they deleted when they said too much and saved for future reference. They corrected sentence fragments and noun and verb modifiers. They laughed and raised their voices.
“Derwood, you’re showing and not telling.”
“Doppleganger, keep on subject; think you’re trying to compare different eons.
When finished, they read the rough draft out loud to the other two individuals. They listened and looked at each other; they hugged as only two distinct authors could understand.
They knew the article wouldn’t fizzle.
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Two thumbs up for creativity and speaking from the scary depths a writer's utterly weird brain.