For this unit in English we started off by reading George Orwell's 1984. By reading this book we were introduced to some of the stylistic devices published authors used in hopes to incorporate them in our own writing, as well as including a hook, a rise, a climax, and a solution. Then we were finally given the assignment to write a "flash fiction" or a short story. It had to be less then 700 words which was very challenging to me as I was over 1000 words at one point. However, through this, I was able to find some solutions to my wordiness problem which is that I include details that don't have any impact on the story, which is a plus!
My short story,The Package, is about a man who goes to the airport and meets a stranger who offers to pay him if he brings a mystery package onto the plane with him. The man agrees because he is desperate for money.
My inspiration for writing this story was that I was looking up story ideas and came across this one. It hooked me right away because of the mystery and suspense part, which is something I love reading about.
The Package
"Ticket and identification, sir." Said the security man.
"Looks good, Mr. Smith, happy holidays."
"Thanks, you too." He said with an insincere tone. It wasn't going to be a great holiday. He had recently lost his job, and now had to move in with his parents. It was embarrassing - mortifying.
Once past security he checked to see if his flight was on schedule. But then, in the reflection of the screen he saw a man watching him suspiciously. He whirled around as the man quickly turned away. How odd. Maybe I'm just being paranoid. But then at his terminal, he caught the man again watching him. Feeling creeped out, he escaped to the bathroom.
Why am I being stalked? I'm a good citizen. Perhaps I'm being mistaken for someone else.
As soon as he thought that, Mr. Smith looked up to see the man's reflection in the mirror. It had been confirmed. He was being stalked.
"What do you want from me? I don't have any money!" He said all at once.
"Relax." his voice was calm. "I just want a favor."
"What favor? I don't owe you anything."
"Just a small one. I'll even pay you. How does $500 sound?" Money? He really needed the money.
"Whaaa-what is it, that you need me to do?" he stammered.
"Carry this package onto the plane and give it to this woman when you land." The man held out a photograph of her.
"How do I know there's nothing illegal or dangerous inside?"
"I assure you, it's nothing illegal. Besides, it already passed security and wasn't confiscated. So please what do you say?"
"How do I know the money is real?"
"Here, use this marker. If it's real it'll turn gold."
It did.
"Now boarding: Flight 1225."
"That's me."
"Well, will you do it?"
He didn't know what to do. He really wanted the money, but was quite suspicious. He hesitated. Then his greediness took over him and he grabbed the package from the man.
"Thank you." And with that the man handed him the money and the picture of the woman.
After he boarded the plane, Mr. Smith sat with the mysterious package on his lap. What was in this thing? He had shaken it, but to his dismay, heard nothing. He was so tempted to look inside of it. The mystery man hadn't said he couldn't open it, but he was afraid that if he did, he could be arrested for its contents.
Four hours later, his curiosity got the best of him and he went to the lavatory. Inside, he picked at the tape that was securing the whole mystery. But just as he did this, there was a knock at the door.
"Sir, you need to come out of there now."
Had they gotten some tip from someone that he was doing something illegal in there? But wait, the man had told him that this package was not illegal at all.
"Hold on…just a minute." He said as he quickly re-wrapped the gift and stuffed it in his jacket.
"Sir, you need to exit now."
He opened the door to find a flight attendant standing outside the door.
"Yes?"
"Sir, we're landing now, I need you to return to your seat."
All that panic for nothing? It was just because we were landing. I didn't even get to look to see what was inside of it.
"Please sir, return to your seat."
"Yes, of course, sorry."
As he walked down the jetway he frantically pondered some way to look inside the package before giving it up. But it was no use as he spied the girl waiting to greet him.
"I believe this is for you."
"Yes, and once again thank you so much for doing this."
"If you don't mind me asking, what is in the box? It has been puzzling me for the last five hours."
"I don't think he'd let me answer you."
"It's okay, I understand."
And with that they parted ways. He looked back one last time as she made her way down the terminal with the mystery package - forever unknown.
