Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Shattered Precipice Part 1

Master Class this week gave us three choices.  Shattered precipice, rugged resolutions, and Auld Lang Syne.  Shattered precipice spoke to me this time.  While the short story is ending up too long to post all at once, here's the first part.  Any feedback is welcome, particularly about whether or not there's too much explanation at the start.  And, this story does touch on PTSD, the military, and the conflict in the Middle East.  It is still PG-13 and under, but I don't want anyone to be caught off guard by the implied trauma issues in the story.  Thanks for stopping by!



            “Welcome.  I presume Mr. Andreson is waiting elsewhere?”
            “Yes.  Why do you presume that?” the man scrubbed his buzzed silver hair.
            “I intend no offense, but you did not strike me as a troubled man who just returned from a second tour in the Middle East.  Also, your voice sounds familiar to me.  Since I have never spoken to Mr. Andreson, you are likely not him.  Therefore, I believe you to be Mr. Andreson’s father.  I am Ms. Harper’s assistant, Michael.”
            “Ah.  Yes.  John Andreson,” he thrust out his hand as he cleared his throat, “My son is waiting outside.”
            Michael shook the proffered hand, “Please, Mr. Andreson.”
            “John.”
            “John, then.  Please, relax.  Ms. Harper will be with us shortly.  There is nothing to fear here.  She has already agreed to assist your son.”
            “If you can even get him in the building.”
            Michael showed Mr. Andreson to a small, cozy waiting area surrounded by picture windows that offered a magnificent view of the city, “May I get you something to drink?”
            “No.  Is Ms. Harper as good as the price tag she puts on this suggests?”
            “How did you learn of Ms. Harper?”
            “What does that matter?”
            “Please.  Indulge me and I will make it clear.”
            “The last therapist we took Lucas to suggested her when he couldn’t get Lucas to even set foot in his office.  Said something about Ms. Harper doing some research into this new kind of therapy that has done a lot for other veterans with PTSD.”

Monday, December 28, 2015

I'm Baaacccckk!

I’m baaaaaccckk!


Yes – It’s true, folks.  This Is Not Hitchhiker’s Guide is back in business.  What happened, you ask?  Excellent question.  The answer is not that I was tripping about the galaxy with ne’er do wells.  I actually just finished my Master’s Degree.  So, while I was doing copious amounts of writing, it was all very scientific and, in some ways, not nearly as much fun as writing this post.  I am hoping to post at least 3-4 times per week with some of the old favorites, like Random Sunday and the Book Reviews, add in some prompt responses to sites like Studio 30+ and OurWrite Side, and maybe even a few new things.  Who knows.  Just like The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, there will be generous portions of nonsense and 100% genuine fun!  Buckle your seatbelts and hang on for the ride.  I’ll see you on the other side!