Here is my 100 word story for this week’s Friday Fictioneers link-up, hosted by Rochelle. Read the stories by other contributors here.
Nutcracker
Chester winced at the name of the show, and smirked when she gave him a rundown of the storyline. He meant to say ‘Er, no thanks,’ when she offered him a ticket, but her eyes were so bright, her dancer’s legs so long.
He sat near an exit – planning to slip out to the bar once he’d seen enough to pad out conversation.
He wasn’t at all ready for the ocean of sound and movement that pinned him to his seat.
‘You ok?’ she asked when she joined him afterwards. ‘You look pale.’
‘Sure,’ grunted Chester. ‘Just need a moment.’
*****
Ballet can do that, though maybe not the Nutcracker. The Judas Tree or the Rite of Spring might cerainly have this effect
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I’m sure they’re next on Chester’s bucket list. Thanks, Neil.
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Such is the power of movement and music. This reminds me of my first albeit, reluctant visit to a ballet.
Mine – An audience with Rosey!
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It certainly can be overwhelming, in a good way. I’m glad the story sparked a memory for you – I hope your initial reluctance didn’t last too long.
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Dear Margaret,
I loved Chester’s unexpected response to the ballet. She made a believer out of him. Nicely choreographed story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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She had him hooked when they met, but he had no idea of the greater delights in store at the theatre. Thanks, Rochelle.
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Expectations exceeded – great tale.
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Thank you, James.
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This was great, Margaret. Next time, if there is one, he’ll know what he’s in for. I could see him in my mind and it was hilarious. Well written. 😀 — Suzanne
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So glad you were able to picture Chester, and that you enjoyed the story. Thank you for commenting, Suzanne.
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I’m sure I’d start out with the same attitude as him, anyway!
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Really? Surely not. Chester needed the allure of a bright-eyed ballerina to break down his preconceptions – can you find one of those?
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I’ve experienced that with most live shows. Amazing to see and feel. Well done, you’ve brought that stunned feeling to life.
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Yay! I’m so happy to read that. Bringing anything to life in a story makes me feel I’ve accomplished something – especially in these 100 word ones. Thank you so much.
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Your story is lovely. Drama can be emotionally overwhelming sometimes. You’ve left me with an image of a stunned Chester, his cheeks still wet with tears.
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I nearly made him cry at the end, instead of looking pale. I’m very glad you put that part in anyway. Thank you for your encouraging comment, Penny.
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I never cared for musicals until I saw my first live performance. After that, I was hooked. You feel the energy from the stage.
Great job of translating the experience to the page.
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Thank you, Russell. There certainly is a whole other kind of reality happening in a theatre. You’re right about the energy from the stage – amazing.
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Haha… poor Chester is suffering from culture shock. 😉 Love the way you showed us his lack of sophistication by mentioning his reaction to the name of the show. You’ve crafted this tale with care, and it shows. 🙂
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I’m so happy with your comment, magarisa. Thank you for noticing those aspects of the story – I wanted Chester to be convincing, as far as is possible in 100 words.
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You’re most welcome, Margaret.
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Chester sure gets himself into some situations, doesn’t he. This time he was pleasantly surprised. I’ve got to say, the ballerina looks like a beautiful machine, like looking at the brass innards of a grandfather clock. Another winning story, Margaret.
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Thank you, Jade. Chester might develop a whole new outlook on life from now on, now he’s discovered what’s possible. I’m in awe of how classical dancers perform – amazing. I like your analogy of the grandfather clock for this one. Apt.
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You are welcome, Margaret.
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Nothing beats the magic of an at least decent life performance, doesn’t it? Great build-up of Chester’s experience with his initial dismissiveness. I think there’s a new ballet fan now. Lovely story, Margaret. Also, I love the Nut Cracker.
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He’s definitely a ballet fan from here on in. Lucky man. He has a whole new world to discover. Glad you enjoyed Chester’s character. Many thanks, Gabriele.
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Goes to show just what you can miss when you have a closed mind… good thing he “screwed up” and ended up going 😉
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Lucky for Chester he couldn’t resist those bright eyes and long legs. He had no idea what he was in for.
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Another gloriously happy victim of the magic of theatre and the wonderful ballet you chose. Lovely story.
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‘Gloriously happy’ is just the right way to describe him. I’m so glad he came across in that way. Thank you, Jilly.
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An a new inductee into the world of gorgeous music and amazing dance has just made the scene 🙂
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Correct. And he’s still stunned. Thanks, Linda.
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Nice job. Guess you just never know what you’ll enjoy or how much until you try it.
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It pays to keep an open mind. Lucky Chester to have stumbled into a whole new world, even though his intention wasn’t really to expand his mind. Thanks, Shirley.
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Good for Chester. I couldn’t do it.
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He got more than he bargained for. Thanks for reading.
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once in a while, we deserve a big surprise like this. well-written. thanks for sharing. 🙂
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That’s a great way of putting it – a big surprise. So glad you enjoyed Chester’s big moment.
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I’m glad Chester has had his horizons broadened. What next I wonder?
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Good question. I can’t really say – I don’t know Chester well enough yet to hazard a guess. But I’m working on it.
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Awww I love this. I hope he now goes to see more
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Thank you, Laurie. Glad you enjoyed the story.
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Looks like Chester is a fan now. Nice one.
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I’m sure he is. Thank you.
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