Writer's Boot Camp: Day Two

The One That Got Away

This time of year always depressed me.  It had been three years ago when we had broken up.  On Valentine's Day of all days.  There had been a proposal, but I was afraid of commitment - something I learned after the fact.  We ended the most romantic day of the year with sorrow.  We exchanged our items the next day and we went our separate ways, never to see each other again.

Until today.

I was at the grocery store, looking over the variety of Valentine's Day candy when Riley turned the corner.  I felt my heart thump in my chest as I looked over at my former lover.  I swallowed hard, mouth dry.

"Riley," I whispered when we neared each other.

To his credit, he stopped and flashed me that charming, 1000 watt smile.  "Casey, how are you?  You look well."

"Fine," I replied, voice breaking.  "Just, um, shopping.  And, and you?"

"I'm good.  Last minute shopping for Valentine's Day."  He looked uncomfortable for a moment; what he was about to say would be hard for me to hear.  Finally, he spoke again.  "I'm having dinner with my fiancé."

Fiancé?  I swallowed hard and nodded. 

"Oh.  That's good.  Good for you, Riley."

My heart was breaking inside.  I hadn't found anyone else and, allowing myself the fantasy every now and then, had imagined that I would be able to meet up with Riley once more.  I had hoped that we could reconnect and try again.  Now that would never happen.

"Yeah.  Well, I'll see you around, Casey."

I watched Riley walk away, out of my life once again.  It was a strangely cathartic feeling, even though I was watching the man I had loved leave.  He was happy; and after I broke his heart three years ago, he deserved to be happy.

-The Author  

Writer's Boot Camp: Day One

Breaking Up With Writer's Block

Dear Writer's Block,

We had a good run, you and I.  I spent more time co-writing with someone else, sticking to their stories versus coming up with my own.  Thanks to you, I suppose it made me more agreeable to my writing buddy - following along with whatever she wanted.  I kept trying to return to my own stories, desperate to write them and get my words out.  My own words.

Thanks to you, however, dear Writer's Block, I never got far.  However, that ends now.  I've started my dream journal once again and with it comes Inspiration.  And Inspiration has treated me far better than you ever have, Writer's Block.

I could go on and on, but I won't.  What you need to know is that we are over.  Kaput.  I'm done being enslaved by you.  Leave me in peace and find someone else.  There's bound to be someone out there far more receptive to your wily charms.

Best of luck to you, Writer's Block, and one final 'fuck you' from me, to you.

Best Regards,

The Author