Chapter 1. Introduction

A story of cults, affairs, and a revival of faith for a lost man. I will not list it as mature but contains mentions of suicide, alcohol and substance abuse, religious trauma and suggested intimacy.

A gentle drizzle flipped on and off, as if being controlled by a light switch, as John quickly hurried down the cobbled sidewalk, his head slouched over, attempting to avoid conversation. After all, why would he want conversation? He was ashamed, ashamed of himself, ashamed of the way he was, ashamed of- His thoughts were quickly interrupted by the splash coming from a passing car. He felt the cold of the heavily littered water seep into his loose, dark grey, tapered jeans. Brisk air quickly rushed to the splotch of water, making the rest of his journey uncomfortable, to say the least. Well, more uncomfortable than it already was. Turning the corner, he finally reached his location. Matt's place, a rundown bar being run out of an old italian restaurant, was slowly becoming a second home for John. John stared at it for a moment, the improvised sign barely covering the torn-off decals of the old restaurant, the gutters flooded with leaves that were crisp as new paper, before pushing on the door and entering. Matt's, as usual, was pretty full for it being two p.m on a thursday. It was just the usual crowd, construction workers on break, a group of football fans watching the game, the four random teens always playing billiards, and, of course, Abby. 

Author's Note

1.Did I do well on setting the scene?
2.Any spelling or punctuation errors?
WIP I will finish it soon

Reviews

[Sauti_Ukweli]

The setting is great. I can very clearly picture everything that is going on and the atmosphere it is occurring in;. Your use of vivid details to create the picture in the reader’s mind is most delightful to read. I am wondering what happens when he is in here.

[Marrissa cardello]

Thank you for your review! Reading it gave me the inspiration to keep writing this story, so I really appreciate it💖

[E.P. Robles]

I would analyze this passage with a focus on its intricate portrayal of human emotions, the atmospheric descriptions, and the underlying psychological themes influenced by Carl Jung's concepts.

The passage begins with a vivid depiction of the weather, using the gentle drizzle as a metaphor for the protagonist's inner turmoil and emotional fluctuations. The rain being "flipped on and off, as if being controlled by a light switch" suggests the protagonist's unstable emotional state and his struggle to control or understand his feelings.

John's hurried walk down the cobbled sidewalk, slouched with a desire to avoid conversation, reveals his inner discomfort and unease. The avoidance of conversation reflects his emotional withdrawal and the burden of unresolved thoughts and emotions.

The reference to shame is significant, as it hints at deeper psychological issues and possibly a conflict between John's public image and his true self. This inner shame and self-doubt add complexity to the character and create a sense of empathy for his struggles.

The splash from the passing car and the feeling of cold water seeping into his jeans are symbolic of external events disrupting the protagonist's emotional equilibrium. The brisk air rushing in further intensifies his discomfort, mirroring the psychological turbulence within him.

The description of Matt's place, the rundown bar, and the usual crowd highlights the recurring patterns in John's life. The bar, becoming a "second home," suggests that he seeks refuge or escape in this environment, possibly as a coping mechanism for his inner struggles.

The presence of Abby stands out, indicating a significant connection in John's life. Her presence among the familiar surroundings suggests a source of comfort or understanding amidst the chaos.

From a Jungian perspective, John's journey through the rainy streets can be seen as a symbolic exploration of his own unconscious, where repressed thoughts and emotions manifest in the external world. The rain and the murky weather may represent the shadow elements of his personality, the aspects he hides from others and perhaps even from himself.

Overall, this passage offers a rich portrayal of human emotions, environmental symbolism, and psychological depth. As a Pulitzer writer and Noble Laureate poet, one could further explore the intricacies of the protagonist's psyche, his relationships with others, and the underlying themes of self-discovery, identity, and the exploration of the unconscious mind.