Welcome to the Fifteen Minute Novel. Each morning I spend fifteen minutes writing on a singular story line. Each morning starts with the last line of the previous day. The goal is to get a (very) rough draft out of the simple story idea and to avoid letting the story idea languish in limbo forever, actually writing it out. This is the third year I have done this writing experiment and each year I learn just a little bit about myself and the way I write as well as creating a framework for the story. But without further ado…
Day 40: Margaret opened the door to 238 and Gwen followed her inside.
Margaret opened the door to 238 and Gwen followed her inside. The apartment was large and even though most of it was in darkness I could see the rooms were large and well appointed.
“Your grandfather hasn’t made it home I see,” Margaret said. “He said he’d try, but there were meetings.” She smiled. “There are always meetings.”
Gwen nodded. Her father was much the same way.
“At least I have gotten him out of the habit of taking them on weekends. These days he even has his golf based meetings on Wednesdays so at least we’ll both see him on the weekend.” As Margaret entered the house she turned on the lights and Gwen could get a sense of the room. It was high end and still reflected some of the glossiness of the lobby downstairs but it looked more lived in and comfortable. It looked tasteful and well-appointed but somehow warmer than the magazine cover that was the lobby. Gwen felt herself relax. What she saw of the apartment didn’t make her feel like an intruder.
“We have a suite all ready for you,” Margaret said. She continued through the apartment and opened a door. “This is your space for as long as you stay. The walls are completely soundproofed so play whatever music you want without worry,” she said. “It also prevents music from the other rooms from settling in here. When your grandfather gets going with his records. I swear if his Rachmaninoff isn’t concernt level loud he feels the surround sound system has been purchased in vain.”
Margaret turned on the light and looked around. Gwen glanced at her face before she looked around the room. Her Grandmother seemed a bit nervous.
“It was designed as a guest suite and I’m afraid we didn’t really have time to personalize it. If there is anything that you need, please let me know.”
Gwen nodded. “It looks great,” She said.
Her grandmother lost some of the tension in her shoulders. “Good, I am glad.”
“At some point I will need to find a drug store,” Gwen said thinking of her luggage. “I packed travel sized products.”
“To free up space,” Margaret said. “Of course. Joanna will be by in the morning and we will add that to the list of essentials.” Margaret looked around the room. “Are you hungry or tired?”
“A bit tired,” Gwen admitted.
“Yes I suppose it has been a bit of trying time, with travel on top. Why don’t you freshen up and then decide if either dinner or an early night is for you.”
Gwen nodded. “A shower would be nice,” she said. “I always feel vaguely gummy after travel.”
“It’s the enclosed air and too many people I expect,” Margaret said nodding. “We;; your bathroom is through there and I will leave you too it. I will be in the living room if you need me, but feel free to shower unpack or go to sleep if you want. We can always talk in the morning.”
“Thanks,” Gwen said.
Margaret nodded and walked towards the door. “And for whatever reason you chose to come,” she said pausing at the door frame. “We are awfully glad you are here.” Gwen felt a lump rise into her throat.
Ten til Midnight 