Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: PROCRASTINATE (08/04/16)
-
TITLE: Life In The City | Previous Challenge Entry
By Rachel Jamerson
08/08/16 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
The park was usually empty when she started her daily routine. However this morning Mitzi could see a figure sitting on the bench ahead. Looks a little like Jack, she thought. Jack was a guy who worked across the hall from her office. Wonder what he is doing out here so early? Mitzi slowed her pace as she approached the bench and dropped down to rest.
“Morning,” she offered, breathless from her run. “Are you okay?”
The young man lifted his head and turned toward Mitzi. “Not really,” he responded. “I was supposed to go home this weekend but I have to work.”
“Oh,” replied Mitzi, “you looked so down I thought maybe something was wrong. Don’t sweat it, my parents are always bugging me to come home but I just don’t have time. They need to understand I can’t just drop everything and come running every time they feel lonely.”
Jack smiled weakly and replied. “Yeah, I know but my dad has been sick and I worry about him.”
“I know, my mom is always complaining too but I know she is just trying to put pressure on me.” Mitzi stood to her feet. “See you at the office,” she said resuming her daily run.
Mitzi felt a slight twinge of guilt. She hadn’t been home for two years now but she had her career to think about. She really didn’t mean to procrastinate; she would go when she had the time.
Mitzi returned to her busy schedule and forgot about the encounter. She had so much on her plate right now. Working long hours and taking classes at night for her Master’s degree, she hardly had time to think. A few months later she noticed there was a new guy in the office across the hall. She stopped and introduced herself. “What happened to Jack,” she asked?
“I don’t know,” was the reply. “I was just told he quit.”
“Well welcome to the city. Are you settled in yet?”
“Actually, I have been having a hard time getting around. I’m not familiar with the area and spend a lot of time driving in circles,” he replied with a grin.
“Tell you what,” said Mitzi, “I have Thursday evenings free. If you like I would love to give you a tour.”
Mitzi and Dave hit it off from the start. Soon they were spending all their free time together. Months passed and Mitzi pushed the thoughts about her parents aside. They still called frequently, but sometimes she just didn’t answer the phone.
Mitzi pushed the door open and stepped inside the restaurant. She was meeting a client for lunch and had worked on her presentation for weeks. This would be a huge account if she could land it. She felt a little breathless as she looked around the room. Someone laid a hand on her shoulder and she turned expecting to see her client.
“Hello there,” said a familiar voice. “How are you?”
Mitzi looked into the face of Jack her former colleague. “Jack,” she replied. “I’m great. How are you?”
Jack smiled taking her by the arm and moving toward an empty table. “I’m getting better,” he replied. “It’s been a difficult time.”
“What do you mean,” asked Mitzi? “Have you been sick?”
“I’m sorry,” he replied, “I thought you knew. My father was diagnosed with cancer and I went back home to help Mom.”
“I see,” said Mitzi, “are you back to stay now?”
“No,” he replied, I just came to settle some unfinished business. I realized how important it was to be with them in their final years, so I found a job locally.”
Once again Mitzi felt the twinge of guilt. Maybe she would call home that evening. When she arrived at home there was a message on her answering machine. “Mitzi, this is your sister. Mom and Dad were killed in a car wreck this morning. Please come as soon as possible.”
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
It isn't always the "big things" that we should be concerned about though. Every time the Holy Spirit urges a person to do something and the person "procrastinates" an opportunity is wasted and possible gone.
Good writing. We need reminders.