Confusion – but to show it without confusing the reader. According to Mrs. Hood, relying on sensory overload of the character is cheap, and bad, and rarely realistic. What she doesn’t discuss, but what I see in real life, are the different levels of confusion. I see the sharp, disorienting kind that hits you when you’re trying to understand a difficult concept, and someone’s “helpful” suggestion is not so helpful and just makes you more confused; and a more overwhelming “state” of confusion, usually attending life decisions. The “state of confusion” is more diffuse, less sharp, and ebbs and flows along with uncertainty – but is still different from pure uncertainty. My character spends time in both kinds of confusion, so it’d be good for me to get these right. For the sake of space, we’ll stick with a sharp, momentary confusion: and let’s see what we can do.
Thank you so much for the wonderful time, that night. You reached down when I was at my lowest point, and you pulled me up. I didn’t want to move to Oregon without you knowing that.
Brad flipped the card over; was this for real? For Christmas? Merry Christmas; your wife cheated on you. The address was correct: Brad and Stephanie Pelmont, 325 Circle Drive. He had never given someone a wonderful night, had he? Brad shook his head violently: not Dave Paulos. What the heck?
He read the card again: Merry Christmas, thanks for the wonderful night. The last time they had seen Dave was six months ago, at Chris’ birthday bash at Backdoor Tavern. He and Steph had gotten a little tipsy, sure – but she had never left his elbow, had she? Not long enough to….
Brad glanced over the card one more time, and then it caught his eye, way in the corner: Jenny.
A grin split Brad’s face. Whoops.
Tuesday’s prompt, so far, is Contentment. See you tomorrow.
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