Open Handed

Today I'm doing a writing exercise.

Inspired by @reconstitution, I generated 8 random words that I included in the story. I didn't limit myself to a total number of words though. Just wanted to have some sort of resolution in the end.

The words:

Rule, Gifted, Driving, thoughtless, trust, lyrical, excited, orange.

I hope this improves my story writing with time, maybe also how fast I can make it up too.
I completed this in an hour or so.

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"Open Handed"

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There was something about him that she couldn't quite grasp. And odd feeling, a sweet tenderness hidden inside. Or maybe was it the other way around, the chocolate coating of a rotten Easter egg. The way he stand with the palm of his hand opened reflected a man she could trust but a man with a secret.

She had been working as waitress, at an airport check in desk and now was looking at cameras in the underground station all day. It was a thoughtless job with little responsibilities. She just had to look a the screen and mention anything suspicious. As the station was way down the line, it wasn't a crowd to inspect but more of a few lost citizens. Sad faces and wasted lives.

Day after day, the more she watched the more this man was intriguing to her. He would take the same train in and the same train out every day. Sometime sit on the station's bench, watching other with attention. Always with his odd posture and gestures. She did have to mention anything suspicious. She would only be following the rule. But she just couldn't point out anything specific. Stuck in this tiny office, she did fantasize of lyrical adventure story as she would follow him far down the rabbit hole. Where would that take her? What secret would he be unveiling? Why fantasizing so much...

One day, she decided to take action. Towards the end of her shift, she would go sit on the station's bench waiting for the mysterious man. She was obviously excited about this adventure as her heart beat was bashing like sticks on a drum. She couldn't stay natural. She walked around, went for coffee, read a book... She would be easily recognizable with a security outfit. She suddenly felt out of her comfort zone. She was ready to aboard the perilous mission, when the train stopped, letting out the unique individual.

Like everyday he was wearing a brown leaver coat, a grey hoodie and finger less gloves. Seeing him at eye level, she noticed how sad he looked, how miserable must have been his day. As he passed by her, in front of the bench, our courageous security officer closed her fist, lifted her shoulders and went in after him.

"This is a minor security check." She said, taking advantage of her position.
The gentleman stopped and stood still for a moment waiting for further instructions.
As she moved closer, the man seemed to get tensed, put his hands behind his back and stepped away a little.

"Hey hey don't worry, As I said this is a minor security check, just wanna make sure you got your ticket and everything. Why are you hiding your hands?"

He didn't react. Like stuck, not knowing what to do.
"Show me your hands" She said, worried she might have discovered something worse than expected.

The station was empty at this point. No staff, no commuters. It was late in the evening, all the buses were driving home already and the next train would only be hours later. This made the situation even more tensed.

The finger less gloves dropped behind him... He slowly moved his arms in front of him revealing his secret.
Both of his hand were opened, the palm showing up. Their color had changed to a rusted orange taint. The temperature surrounding them seemed to have increased by a couple degrees already. He watched her solemnly, the head down, his eyes up, waiting for the questions. He knew what was happening.

She asked what was going on... He answered back:
"It's complicated, let's say I'm gifted..."

Photo Source: Pexels

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Alright! I'm done for today.
Hope you found this little story interesting.
Let me know if I should attempt this exercise again or if you want to know what happens next...

See you on the other side,

Jrej