For those just tuning in, this challenge is about taking a story idea from bare bones idea into a fully fledged story by writing consistently every week day for fifteen minutes. The sentence I end with on one day, is the sentence I start with on the following. Part one was Bob’s story and has nothing whatsoever to do with the story below. Part Two follows a character named Penelope. I have a few basic sentences to act as road marks on her journey. I am loosely calling that an outline. We will see where she ends up by the time the story is done. For now, we start Part two of the 2025 Fifteen Minute Writing Challenge.
Day 58: While Penelope was curious, she also realized that if she inherited this odd trait or knack or ability then finding out who knew of it might be a good idea.
While Penelope was curious, she also realized that if she inherited this odd trait or knack or ability then finding out who knew of it might be a good idea. “After all if she didn’t tell anyone and someone is still upset about my potentially inherited abilities than it is a different ability they are worried about.”
Penelope frowned and flopped back on the bed leaving the notebook where it was. Usually bullet point lists helped her clarify what she knew and what she needed to find out. “All this list points out is how much I don’t know.”
She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “The note doesn’t change anything does it?” she asked the ceiling above her bed. “I was planning to stay here and figure things out, that’s why I stocked up on food and things.” Penelope frowned. “But how did someone know I was going out?”
She doubted someone planned a bug in the house or on her person. They might have done so with her car so they could see where it was. She wasn’t watching the garage all the time after all. “Or they could just be watching the house.”
Curious, she got up from the bed and walked back into the living room. She moved towards the front windows, making certain to keep far enough back that she couldn’t be seen outside. There were cars parked along the street and they looked like they were the same cars that were parked there before. She didn’t remember seeing any of them at the grocery store but she hadn’t really been paying that much attention.
“If someone is watching then it would either be from one of the cars or from one of the other houses. After all I don’t normally go grocery shopping in general let alone on a set routine.” Other than watching her, there was no way anyone could have known where she was going.
‘But I am well stocked now and planning to stay in for a few days.’ So it didn’t really matter if someone was watching. “Although I might want to keep track of the cars. Unless they are using magic.”
Penelope frowned and stepped away from the window. She didn’t know if she could be monitored using magic. It was one more thing she needed to learn. “As well as how to prevent it if it is being done.”
‘Still doesn’t change the plan,’ she realized. Whether the threat was real or imagined, the car crash an accident or planned, what she needed was more information. She needed information about the family, about magic and about herself. “I don’t even know what magical abilities are possible, let alone likely to cause others alarm.”
She looked towards the hall. The library was her best option at the moment. I suppose we will continue with the reading plan.” Penelope walked to the library and took down the next journal from the shelf. This time she curled up in the reading chair in the library before opening her book. Again Amelia’s writing and story pulled her in. Penelope read until her eyes went blurry and she decided that her day was done. She set the volume to the side and stood. She felt her joints pop with the movement and she stretched realizing how long she sat in one position.
She stretched wide, reaching her hands up to the sky and wiggling her arms about a bit. She yawned and felt her jaw pop. Penelope lowered her arms and decided it was bed time. She left the library, turning out the light as she did.
Ten til Midnight 