When I first start writing from my writing prompts, I never know what story is going to come out. Sometimes, like last month’s scene, the story is light and fun. Then we have prompts like today’s that could have gone any which way. Not that I mind the thrill of a good mystery. I love writing my own mysteries! Fun fact: my first book Not Like Everyone Else is a young adult mystery novel! And the WIP I’m currently editing is a mystery as well!
But enough about mysteries. Today’s writing prompt is:
Genre: Crime
Setting: Scrap Yard
I grew up very close to a scrap yard so it was fun to put what I know into a small scene. Because let’s face it, it’s really hard to incorporate a scrap yard into a story. At least, I’ve had a hard time placing this particular setting. Now, today I have for you a small scene that shows what happens when someone wants revenge. It doesn’t always end well.
Scenes by Jennifer Leigh is a new segment in 2019 where the scenes have been picked using a random number generator and will be around 400-500 words. I started with a numbered list of different genres and settings I thought would be fun to write about. Then I randomly selected 12 numbers for genres and 12 number for settings. From that list, I found out what my writing prompts were for the year which you can find the list by going to my Fiction Writing tab!
And if you’d like to join and follow these prompts, I’d love for you to link me to your stories either in the comments or via email (boundtowriting@gmail.com) and I’ll showcase your amazing pieces in next month’s post!
Revenge is Inevitable
Written by Jennifer Leigh
My truck filled to the brim with all the scrap metal I could dig up from my yard. Dad isn’t using it anymore and I need the money.
I pull my white pickup truck on the dirt path through the prison-like gates. The barbed-wire still making me cringe no matter how many times I’ve been here. I slide my window down.
A tall Latinx man walks up to my truck. His ripped t-shirt and jeans barely protecting him from the heat of the sun.
“Hi, Mr. Sancho. How’s it been today? Is Diego here?” We fist bump.
Mr. Sancho laughs. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite trouble maker. It’s been a slow one today. Not much to do besides pick up the yard. Diego’s been in the office cleaning up the mess Liz left behind.” His smile fades.
“I could help you out. Let me park my truck and I can do whatever you need me to.” I put my hand over the door handle.
Mr. Sancho lifts his hand. “Don’t worry about it, Ezra. I’m fine on my own. Let’s get you weighed so that you can enjoy the rest of this beautiful day.”
I move my hand from the door handle.
After I leave the scrap yard, I park my car on the side street. It’s time that I have a talk with Diego.
'It’s time that I have a talk with Diego.' Just what's happening in today's #writingprompt?! Check it out this crime at a scrap yard today! Share on XIt’s been months since we’ve last spoken. Since he called me out in front of the entire school for apparent bullying. It’s not bullying if the other person is in the wrong. Which freshman are always wrong.
I sneak past Mr. Sancho, who is busy putting away his tools. All the way up the small shack-like building where Diego is supposed to be. I slip inside before anyone can notice.
The door to the shack creaks open and I find myself in a makeshift breakroom. I move past the small table and coffee maker.
My footsteps are masked by the taping on the keyboard. I inch down the tight hallway where two office doors sit propped open. One the lights are off. The other is where Diego must be.
I ease my way into the doorframe of the office. My target, staring at a computer screen in front of him. He doesn’t notice me until I clear my throat.
Diego’s eyes go wide.
“Well, hello, Diego.” I smack a wrench in my hand and smile.
Well, that was an intense story! And not at all what I had in mind when I first started writing this scene. Though writing always has a way of making its own rules. I hope you enjoyed this scene and I look forward to reading your scenes!
Want to try out these writing prompts? Do you like this crime writing prompt? Should this be a longer story? Talk writing with me in the comments below!
Want to my other scenes? Check out my Fiction Writing page
Want a longer piece by Jennifer Leigh? Check out her books here.
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Hmmmm this is a great start Jenn! I will admit that I didn’t see that wrench coming. It makes me wonder what he thinks Diego did to deserve this. 😉
Thanks, Dani! Diego may seem like a good guy but he definitely has a bad side 😈