Recognition

Write On Edge: Red-Writing-Hood

This week, we’d like you to take us on an actual journey, specifically a road trip? Think about who is in the car. Where are they going and why? What’s on the radio or what are the travelers talking about?

In 300 words or less, create a fiction or creative non-fiction piece that lets us feel the wind from an open window or the dry heat of a car vent.

red car

The long and winding rode was laid out ahead of me and out my window there was nothing but empty land, random trees, and dust bowls. It was a pretty desolate area that I had been traveling for hours now; each road sign brought me closer to civilization and a new life.

I left the middle of the country about a week or so ago, Indiana to be exact. It was a small town, with small minds and very little room for change or innovation. I had to leave after he raised his hand to me…. it was not the way I wanted to live the rest of my life. I packed up everything I could into my little convertible, put the rest into storage in the next town over, and headed west. It was just the open road, my music, and me and to make it even better… half way down the highway heading out of town I put the top down & let my cell phone fly out of my hand and crash to the ground. All connections to my old life were now severed and it felt good.

After another week of travel I finally hit the west coast and found myself traveling north after a weekend on the beach. The view was gorgeous! Ocean to the left and beautiful mountains and trees to the right it was then that I knew this was where I wanted to be and as the sun was starting to set over the water I pulled into a little roadside diner.

I parked in front and the bell on the door jingled as I walked in signaling my arrival. It was a small diner with booths that lined the windows overlooking the highway and a traditional diner counter complete with red stools and laminate counter top. All that was necessary now was Alice or Flo to come walking through the swinging kitchen door, instead an older woman came out to greet me and refill the cups of a few people at the counter.

I noticed a car pull in while I sat in the booth reading the paper. Normally, I don’t pay much attention but how often do see a classic car like that… I’m a sucker for a well maintained classic. I put it out of my mind, with my budget I could barely afford my cake and coffee, and returned to the paper. Again the bell jingled announcing another customer and as he walked by our eyes met and locked, for that brief moment in time I felt lifetimes flash in my mind. He had a look of recognition on his face and quickly looked away breaking the connection we had.

I know that I went over the word count but I cut it off at the best place I could find… even though I’m not sure of it still. And in case you’re wondering… yes, this is part of my novel for NaNoWriMo! So I would love any and all feedback!