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 184: “I imagine not,” Sophie said.
“I imagine not,” Sophie said. She shook her head and imagined what her mother would say if she was dragged down to the police station because of such an event. ‘It wouldn’t be pleasant.’
“There were hints dropped about counselling and a possible stay at a facility for a little while,” Linda said. “I don’t know if they think she has gone crazy officially of if they are trying to avoid getting sued but I don’t think Kristen will be around for a while.”
“I certainly hope not,” Sophie said. “And I am glad you weren’t hurt. I am sorry Petra was thought.”
“Hopefully she will heal soon,” Linda said. She shook her head. “I wonder why Kristen said she was sleeping with Don Evers.”
Sophie shrugged. “Who knows.” She replied. They reached the door and Sophie opened it. They each clocked back in and walked to the elevator. The conversation stilled as they left the gossip behind and both resumed their professional appearance. Sophie took her lunch to her desk and ate it while looking over her e-mils. There was nothing that important and She was able to think about Linda’s story.
While exciting, she was glad she ran a little late and wasn’t in the middle of things. She was also glad that no one seemed to be blaming her. ‘I’m sure she was trying to attack my car,’ Sophie thought. She was certain others made the connection, but it wasn’t part of the discussion.
‘And it looks like Kristen won’t be a problem.’
That made her feel good about staying with Havers instead of taking another job. Reminded of the other job, Sophie finished her lunch and sent in a notice stating that she would not be accepting the job offer. She sent it off and made sure her lunch trash was disposed of before turning back to the computer and her work for the day.
By the end of the day, Sophie felt really good about her decision. The office was once again a calm place to work and she was not expected to stay late. She left on time, got into her car and drove home. Once home she ate dinner, changed clothes and worked on a few sleep sets before switching to her design work. All the while the Italian drama was playing in the background and Sophie was happy to find her Italian improving.
It was a quiet life, she decided as she turned the television off, but she liked a quiet life. She liked her drama confined to the television and was happy that it seemed to remain there. The next morning she got up and id everything all over again. Kevin talked to her briefly in the gym and later she showered and went to the office. Petra was back and while there was no splint on her face, she had two fading black eyes. Sophie again went to lunch and this time heard Petra’s version of events. The only difference was the heavy gas can being thrown at her face and busting her nose before she went for security. She brough security back and found Linda sitting on Kristen.
Like Linda, she thought Kristen was insane and didn’t blame Sophie for the attack. “You didn’t mention that I was with Don to anyone did you?” Was her only question.
“Not a word,” Sophie assured her. Petra was relieved and the matter was let go. When Sophie returned home, she found Janine had a few more orders for her. Sophie incorporated the orders into her schedule and the evening flowed as easily as the one before.
With the office sorted, a pattern once again took shape.
Ten til Midnight 