Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: FOLD (10/08/15)
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TITLE: The Compliance | Previous Challenge Entry
By Hannah Gaudette
10/14/15 -
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Reginald leaned gratefully back into his old rocking chair with a deep sigh. There was an unusual peace in the air today. For once, his old nemesis, Arthritis the Snake, wasn't making a big show, just in time for Independence Day. Fireworks tonight, a big meal for supper, shared by Reginald's very best friend, George.
Reginald opened one eye. “G.W.? You in here?”
The crash of a book and the patter of feet came before the fat feline trotted merrily into the kitchen. The orange cat jumped onto Reginald's lap and purred.
The old man, a retired veteran, rested his head against the back of the rocker again and dozed with his cat for a few minutes. But it wasn't long before a knock on the door woke him and sent G.W. into a tizzy. Reginald limped to the door while the once-courageous feline retreated to his hiding place.
He opened the front door, and in the hall stood the grim-faced apartment manager.
“Jason!” Reginald clucked happily, surprised for the company. “Come on in, my friend! I have some coffee from the morning on the counter. Cold, I'm afraid, but I can heat up a new batch in a jiffy. Don't just stand there on the doormat, young man, come inside!”
The visitor shook his head. “I'm not here to visit. I'm here to tell you that you have to take your flag down from the balcony.”
Reginald's eyes narrowed. Had he heard him right? The only flag on the balcony railing was his prized and much loved American flag.
“I don't understand,” he said simply.
“You have to take down the flag,” the manager repeated. “I don't want my apartments offending any locals.”
“Why, Jason Lawrence!” Reginald exclaimed. “I've had my dear country's flag hanging from that balcony every holiday since I can remember. I served this old country faithfully for years. Surely I don't have to stop remembering now, on July 4th, no less?”
Mr. Lawrence sighed. “Just take it down, sir, or I'll have it removed. It's that or you can leave in forty-eight hours.”
The manager walked away briskly and left Reginald to close the door. After a few silent moments, the cat's head poked around the corner, his eyes asking if it was safe to come out.
“I don't know what this country's coming to, George Washington,” Reginald said sadly to both the cat and the picture on the wall of the first president. “But it's a mighty ache in this old heart of mine to have to tuck that flag away just when I needed it most.”
Reginald ambled to the balcony door and stepped into the warm July air. He took down the proud, waving flag and brought it inside, folding it as he had done hundreds of times before. But today, as the triangle shape formed in his hands, folding it was a burden instead of an honor. Who could it offend when it reached out in the wind, representing freedom, liberty, life?
Reginald opened the little closet and carefully set the American flag on the shelf. As the door closed, tears streamed down his face. Just what was he celebrating today? Certainly not freedom. One day, he'd know a different and perfect kind of freedom. But even then, this old flag would remain on its shelf.
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Well written.
Congratulations on your win in EC.