My 2024 writing resolution is to honor “the deadline” and keep a steady pace of submitting for contests and open submission calls. Below is my third submission for a competition on Vocal. The challenge asked writers to create a short story told from the perspective of a misplaced object. Check out the beginning of my entry below. It’s titled, “Trust Is Key” .
“Trust Is Key”
Part 1: The Morning Commute
Goodness me, this is exciting! It’s my first day on the job! Noah’s nervous, but that’s natural for a newly licensed driver.
Don’t worry, Noah. I promised your mom and dad I’d keep an eye on you.
Now, this other kid is different. What did Noah call him? Aiden? Yes, that’s Noah’s friend’s name. Aiden has been nothing but a distraction since climbing into the car. I had to holler forever until he put his seatbelt on. What a relief he still only has his practice driver’s permit. Heaven help us when he gets a license! His mouth just runs. Is he thinking before he speaks? Even I’m finding it hard to focus!
“You drive like my gramma. Can’t you go any faster?”
This kid’s got some nerve! He’s going to ruin Noah’s first outing!
Noah, this is a perfectly acceptable speed. Pay no attention to this rapscallion.
Ooh, I wish I could talk. That’s an upgrade to consider.
“Aiden, I don’t have much choice about it. My parents will revoke my driving privileges if they catch me speeding.”
They sure will, Buster, and don’t think I will lie on your account!
“How are they going to know?”
Oh, Aiden, think! It’s the twenty-first century. I’m collecting data points to compile a report for Noah’s parents.
“Big Brother’s watching.”
Wait, what? Is Noah referring to me? That’s not my name. I’m…well, I don’t have a name, how unfortunate.
“You’re joking. What? There’s a camera or something?”
Look at poor Aiden, craning his neck, searching for a camera! Ha! That’s rich! The level of surveillance I offer far exceeds anything a simple camera can do.
“No, my key.”
Ta-dah! No one ever suspects the key.
Click the Button Below to Read the Rest of the Story on Vocal
Mythos Creative Writing 