Thoughtful Thursday: Looking back on an old writing prompt

 

Years before I thought about seeking a publisher for one of my novels, I took part in every writing workshop I could find. One of my favorites was to pick an unusual color name and write a poem featuring it. The word for this one was Cerulean. I loved the feel of it rolling off my tongue. I've always wanted to use it in a title but the closest I've come so far has been Love in Shimmering Chartreuse. I love that word, Chartreuse, and the color too, cool and tropical, I makes me think of the jungle, but also lime jello mojitos. 

Koda is an artist, a bit of a recluse, and not well-versed in social situations. Shy and a bit reserved, he sees an opportunity to break away from routine, and his trailer park home, when he spies a poster advertising a trial hosted by a college psychology department.

Titled A Social Experiment, the project pairs total strangers up to live together for a year either in groups of two or three. During that time, they are to record their experiences while performing a series of tasks outlined in the trial plan. It seemed simple enough until Koda found himself overwhelmed on moving-in day, leading him to get off on the wrong foot with new housemate Kenji.

All of his life, Kenji excelled at Tae Kwon Do, competing from a young age and quickly moving up in the ranks. His hard work and rigorous daily routine earned him accolades in regional and national-level competitions. As a second-degree black belt, he’d hoped to earn the opportunity to try out for the US Olympic team, only to have an accident cost him his chance at competing, as well as his left arm. Now, three years after his accident, he’s made a new life for himself, and while he still harbors bitterness over the loss of his dream, he’s hoping this experiment will be just the thing he needs to help him take that last leap back to living independently.

It’s a rocky road, gelling with one another, and dealing with each’s insecurities and triggers, but as each day ticks past, one question remains: where will they go when the experiment comes to an end?

Love in Shimmering Chartreuse can be found here.

Cerulean lemons? “Cerulean lemons!”

What in the smoky green hell is going on here this morning? “Jack? Jack! Jack where are you?!”

“Here sire, right here.”

“What’s going on in this castle!”

“Well sire, you see, the Wizard…”

“I knew it! I knew letting that crazy old mage in here was a bad idea! Now the fruit basket has wings and my marble staircase is covered in mold and the chef is a bee with three heads! Where is that Wizard now?”

“Well…sire, you see…that’s the problem.”

“I don’t want to hear about your problems, I’ve got enough problems of my own! Now where’s the blasted Wizard?! Wizard! Wizard!”

Ribbit

“Oh no! Is that…”

“Yes sire, the Wizard.”

“But…but…he’s a toad.”

“Yes, sire, I know.”

 “We have to do something.”

“Yes sire.”

“But what?”

“Sire I have but one suggestion.”

“What Jack?”

“Toad stew.”