The Fifteen Minute Novel is an attempt to take a single prompt and use the last sentence written each day as a start for the next day. This year I had several prompts circling around a similar story, so I have combined them. However, the story starts the same way each day, with the last line from the day before and a timer set for fifteen minutes. The hope is to end up with a complete, if very rough draft by the end of the year. Some stories are better than others, but I always learn a whole lot about my own writing when I do this so for me it is not only a nice way to work out a story, but it is a tool for helping my writing get better. And so, we continue this story for 2024 with…
Day 44: As Kristen had dark circles under her eyes, Sophie suspected her glumness wasn’t due to anything Sophie was responsible for doing or not doing.
As Kristen had dark circles under her eyes, Sophie suspected her glumness wasn’t due to anything Sophie was responsible for doing or not doing. Part of Sophie wondered what was wrong but she knew the question would not be appreciated. She and Kristen weren’t close. The last few weeks had proven that if nothing else.
Sophie started her day as usual, dropping off her things and picking up her new files. She noticed that there was a file with a different code on it and when she went back to her desk she opened it, wondering which of her coworkers added it. To her surprise, on the front page of the file, Sophie found a note from Elizabeth.
‘Welcome back, we are looking for people to work with the new data base we will need for the upcoming projects and I thought of you. I noticed in the system that you were caught up from your vacation. At the moment we are just getting started and will only have about one file a week as things are set up in the system. I have included the file and relevant details for you to see what the work entails. I have sent an e-mail request to you so it is official. If interested please respond to the e-mail, if not then please let me know, also through the e-mail. Please do not let this new project cause you to work late.’
It was signed Elizabeth. Sophie looked over the file. It was for a new database and it looked like part of working with the database would involve the setup. It looked like it would add a bit more work, but with only one file a week and just her current work load it looked doable.
Sophie turned to her computer and pulled up her e-mail. She swiftly found the e-mail indicated and responded in the affirmative. That done, Sophie started her work day. Around eleven she refused to take a project for Ryan and around three she refused another one for Carrie.
Happy with the amount of work she completed, Sophie only stayed ten minutes after the end of the day. It gave everyone time to gather their belongings and clear out of the parking lot. Sophie gathered her things and after calling out to make sure no one was lingering, she turned out the lights and went home. Getting home relatively on time made Sophie want to celebrate. She ordered in Chinese and after dinner, managed to work on a new sleep set before she called it a night.
Tuesday, she rejected a file from Kristen. It was dropped off on her desk when she went to the bathroom and Sophie returned it while Kristen was at lunch. Aside from the huffing of annoyance on the other side of the cubicle wall, there were no other reactions. ‘And I am pretty sure the huffing is for my benefit.’
Now that her need for high energy was over, Sophie let the play lists Janine made for her go.
Ten til Midnight 