Morning all. I hope you had a fabulous weekend and are ready to kick off the middle of June with a fantastic new writing prompt. So let’s shake off the weekend and jump into is shall we? Timers set and off we go.
I like the scene. Not sure what story it belongs in, but I also like the character of Frank.
Monday, June 15th: You made your decision.
“You made your decision?” He asked. The question held no rancor or judgement, it was just a matter of curiosity. Allen appreciated it. He knew once he announced his decision there would be nothing but judgement. He appreciated Frank’s general concern.
“I have,” he said. Frank nodded and handed him an empty coffee mug. He tilted his head in the direction of the freshly brewed pot. “Thanks,” Allen said as he walked over. He filled his cup, added a little of the waiting cream and sugar and walked back.
Frank was settled at one of the barstools at the breakfast bar. As far as Allen knew, Frank was the only one in the house who ever used them. Everyone else tended to grab and go when they visited the kitchen. Frank moved at his own pace and raced for no one. Even though Allen lingered, he stood next to the end of the breakfast bar, unable to break his habit and actually sit down.
“You have your list?” Frank asked.
“List?” Allen asked, confusion wrinkling his brow.
Frank tapped the side of his head. “The list of things you are willing to tell them when they ask why you are doing what you are doing.”
“I don’t need to justify…” Allan began.
“You don’t,” Frank said nodding. “But that won’t stop them asking. If you have a list in your head then you can give them something concrete. Doesn’t have you be your actual reasons, just something for them to clamp on and accept as an excuse. Often its better if it isn’t your actual reasoning.”
Allen’s frown remained. This was more than he ever heard Frank speak at one time and he found that almost as curious as what he was saying. “So, I shouldn’t tell them what I am really doing?” As he had no desire to tell anyone what he was doing, he found the notion appealing, but wasn’t sure why Frank was advocating it. He always seemed a straightforward sort of guy.
“The actual reasons we do things are sometimes to personal to share, or something we are unwilling to share. More often, they are complicated. The single outward decision we are seen making just one small facet of a much larger internal process. People don’t like complicated. Also, when presented with complicated they tend to pick it apart because they don’t see the whole picture you are working with.”
Frank paused and took a sip of his coffee. Uncertain what to say, Allan drank from his own cup.
“You don’t owe them the big picture, and it is doubtful they would sit still to hear it even if you wanted to give it to them. Give them something short and concrete. Some may hate it, some may agree with it, but it will be something solid. With it in mind, they will leave you alone.” He smiled. “They may think you crazy, but they will accept the decision more easily.”
Allen nodded slowly. It had been something he was worried about. It was why he was braced for judgement on this last day. He knew that most of the people he worked with would not understand his decision, not accept it and might in fact challenge it. He was braced to spend the day justifying his own actions to people he didn’t feel he owed an explanation to. He took a deep sip of his coffee, turning over Frank’s words. Frank returned to his own cup, apparently saying all he felt the need to say.
“Thanks,” Allen said. Frank nodded and Allen headed back to his space to pick up his things. He turned the words over, slowly adjusting his mental list of things to say when the inevitable questions down. By the time he left the house and started his car, he had a much simpler list of comments and the day did not feel quite so weighty.
Ten til Midnight 