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 61: Here it seemed less of a concern and more of choosing what she liked. ‘And it isn’t like I am on a date.’
Here it seemed less of a concern and more of choosing what she liked. ‘And it isn’t like I am on a date.’
Gwen smiled at the thought. It felt a little bit like she was on a date with herself. With the food ordered Gwen looked around.
“Popular place,” she said noting the occupied tables.
“They are and it is one of my favorites,” Margaret said. “It isn’t too far from home actually,” she gestured to the window. “You can see our building from here.”
Gwen looked and saw the apartment building. It was a few streets over but the buildings between the restaurant and the apartment building were lower in scale so she could see it. There was a relief in being able to see it.
“I’m going to have to start looking at a map to familiarize myself,” Gwen said. She didn’t like not knowing where things were or how to get places. Westport may not have been the most exciting place in the world but she knew where everything was and how to get there. She knew how long it would take her to drive somewhere and which places were within walking distance. Here with no car of her own, it seemed even more important that she figure out what she could actually walk to.
“I am sorry I didn’t think of that earlier,” Margaret said. “It must be disconcerting. I know the doorman keeps a pad of maps at the front desk. He occasionally points out things for newer residents. We can pick one up when we get back.”
“A pad of maps?” Gwen asked.
“Yes,” Margaret said with a smile, I found it odd when I first saw it as well. It is the size of a writing tablet and instead of each page being blank, each page is a map that he can just tear off from the pad and give to people. Quite a nice idea. It only shows the general area but it should help in getting you situated. And the more you go out with me or George or with any new friends you make will then expand what you know. In no time I am sure it will feel quite familiar.”
“That would be nice,” Gwen said.
“So ae thee any things you would like to do? Or see? Art museums maybe? Fashion shows? Roller skating?”
Gwen smiled as it looked like Margaret was racking her brain for ideas on what she might like to do. “What sort of things are within walking distance of the apartment?” Gwen asked.
Margaret nodded. “Yes that might be a good place to start,” she tapped her finger on the table as she thought.
The plates arrived and as they ate, Margaret started to tell her of all of the things that might be of interest within a small walking distance of the apartment. Many of them sounded like interesting places. As she listened and occasionally questioned Margaret’s comments, Gwen realized her excitement was building. While she was certain that some of the things Margaret listed were of more interest to her than Gwen, for the most part Gwen would be allowed to choose anywhere she wanted to spend time without having to think of anyone else. The thought was intoxicating.
Ten til Midnight 