Friday, January 29, 2016

100 Word Challenge: Unlisted Numbers


There’s nothing peculiar or untoward about it. She moved to the city for anonymity, and “the world is your oyster” youthful excitement.

She singsong delivers a carbon-copy greeting to her doorman each day,

“Good morning, Benjamin! How are you today?”

Breezing out the front door, the blue-gray sky and high-rises feel like donning a gauze veil.

[Ding]

“I can see your building from my balcony.”

The phone number is unrecognizable sending her summer skin shivering, her senses to full alert, and sprinting back to her place to grab protection. She has an inkling. Better safe than sorry.

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100 Word Challenge
The word is Peculiar.
So thrilled Tara from Thin Spiral Notebook took over the reins of 100 Word Challenge. A little rusty in the creative writing department, but my goal is to push through the discomfort and begin again!
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34 comments:

  1. TL RobertsJanuary 29, 2016 at 11:18 AM

    That was chilling. Getting a call like that would completely unnerve me.
    (Thanks for linking up with 100 Words, Gina.)

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    1. GinaJanuary 29, 2016 at 11:56 AM

      I always get a little creeped out when I get a text message from a number I don't know. Chilling, yes!

      Can't wait to participate more!

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  2. troyJanuary 29, 2016 at 11:39 AM

    The way you turned the mood so suddenly was quite impressive!

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    1. GinaJanuary 29, 2016 at 11:57 AM

      Thanks for the compliment, Troy. My intention. Things do change in an instant sometimes.

      Delete
  3. JackJanuary 29, 2016 at 12:27 PM

    This is one of those times where I remember how differently I approach the world from many of my female friends. I don't get nervous walking through parking lots, strange cities or concerned about unfamiliar text messages.

    I might be more aware and alert, but not nervous.

    But I can see situations where I might or why someone else might.

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    1. GinaJanuary 29, 2016 at 3:33 PM

      I think this woman felt safe until that text. Must have some skeletons.

      Me, I have lived in and around a big city since I was little. I'm am always aware of my surroundings. If I'm out with the dog or whatever at night, I am always looking around. Daytime is different but I'm not going to be surprised. I have a healthy respect for the city and the other couple million people who share it with me.

      Delete
  4. MarianJanuary 29, 2016 at 1:54 PM

    Yikes! Yikes.

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  5. Thomas Charles MacInnesJanuary 29, 2016 at 8:04 PM

    Your writing isn't rusty at all, Gina! You still have the chops when it comes to the interplay between two people; be it sensual or creepy. Nice to hear your Voice again. :)

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    1. GinaJanuary 30, 2016 at 5:10 PM

      Thanks, Tom! I always go sensual. I am going to be trying different things here. We shall see how that turns out. I am so happy to see familiar faces and read wonderful words again especially from you!

      Delete
  6. TMWHickmanJanuary 29, 2016 at 8:06 PM

    It's very creepy indeed to get a text like that!

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  7. barbaraJanuary 29, 2016 at 9:55 PM

    shiver!!!!

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  8. Whispering ThoughtsJanuary 29, 2016 at 10:02 PM

    Genius take on prompt

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    1. GinaJanuary 30, 2016 at 5:10 PM

      So happy to see you stopping by this place again, Ruby, and thank you very much!

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  9. KirJanuary 30, 2016 at 3:54 PM

    Too much Law & Order SVU for you (and me) but it was so well written.
    So glad to see your words back here. <3

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    1. GinaJanuary 30, 2016 at 5:18 PM

      I had it written completely different, and as a non-fiction piece, in the first draft. I did just recently receive a text from an old, one-time very close friend with whom I have been disconnected for 20 years. She is moving tomorrow to a place where she CAN see my building only one block away. It was peculiar at first; I didn't know how I felt about it. I am enjoying being "unknown" after coming from a very small community. In the end, it is going to be comforting and she needs me now more than ever. Just didn't know if I wanted to express my reservations and hesitancy with her moving so close. What if she read it and became upset??? That's my story and I am sticking to it!

      Thanks for the compliment and I am so excited to see your gorgeous words today over at The Kir Corner! Back at ya!

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  10. kymmJanuary 30, 2016 at 7:43 PM

    Yeeeow! Such a switch up. Still, I get the feeling she's not gonna be hiding very long...
    Great to be reading you again, Tina xx

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    1. GinaFebruary 1, 2016 at 9:26 PM

      Yikes! I wonder what does happen next?

      This is going to be a blast, kymm !

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  11. melissaJanuary 30, 2016 at 8:58 PM

    Oh wow, love it! My kind of story!! More please!

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  12. JoeJanuary 30, 2016 at 9:53 PM

    Yikes! What has she been doing on her balcony? And why am I reminded of "Ugly Naked Guy," from "Friends?"
    Nicely done!

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    1. GinaFebruary 1, 2016 at 9:25 PM

      Hahaha! Nothing but everyone around her has binoculars! ;-)

      Thanks so much.

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  13. UnknownJanuary 30, 2016 at 11:31 PM

    Gina! So nice to be back in the fold reading so many familiar voices. This is great in a realistic or metaphorical way. Oh the dread.. well expressed.

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    1. GinaFebruary 1, 2016 at 9:24 PM

      That's exactly how I felt! Thank you for your kind words.

      Delete
  14. Ally January 31, 2016 at 5:55 AM

    Intriguing stuff and you tell a good story in only 100 words. Enjoyed. Ally

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  15. DEZMONDJanuary 31, 2016 at 6:37 AM

    Now that style would be a hell to translate, Gina :)

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  16. ReneeJanuary 31, 2016 at 6:46 PM

    Ah, the beginnings of a wonderful mystery! It made my eyebrows raise as I said "ooooh!"

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  17. JackFebruary 1, 2016 at 3:32 PM

    Dammit, you pushed me into entering one too. :)

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