ALAN AND BARBARA

Answer to a challenge to write an acrostic short story.

Alan sat on the park bench, brooding. 

‘Barbara won’t answer her phone again!  Communication is growing more difficult with her.  Does she have another boyfriend?  Ending a relationship is so difficult!  Finding a true soul mate seems impossible.  Going the extra mile is foolish until you’re really sure.  How do you know when it’s right?  Intentions go only so far.’

Just across the path a sweet young thing arrives and sits on another bench.  Keeping his eyes averted becomes a challenge.

‘Let nature follow its natural course.  Many life-long loves begin this way.  No!  Or maybe I should just find out who she is.’ 

Possible scenarios fill his mind.

‘Quit this thinking!  Real relationships can’t start like this.  She’s probably involved anyway.  There’s too many ways for it to go wrong.’  

Under the circumstances, Alan knew he should rise and walk away.  Very few random meetings are star-crossed. 

‘Why does this conflict have to happen?  Xanthippe women are so difficult!  Young ones are especially difficult.  Zen meditation is the only answer.’  

Alan rose from the park bench pulling out his cell phone, hoping.

Reviews

[J.K. (Not Rowling)]

Great story! I love how the whole thing takes place in about 15 seconds real time. (I think, however, you forgot the letter Y") Nice job.

[Kira]

I don't know if you meant it to be funny, but the Zen made me lol.