I have to write a character driven short story for school. I’ve been dreading this. I don’t develop characters often. I haven’t written much fiction in some time, either.
So, as I have done for a couple of other projects, I thought I would share that progress here.
Part 1
I thought I recognized him. I mean cleft chins are not a common trait. That and a good head of thick hair for someone – who with only hints of grey – that put this disheveled stranger in his early 50’s. Still, I couldn’t put a finger on where I knew that chin dimple. Either way, he looked like someone just murdered his family.
Fuck. That’s dark, Hill. Let’s hope you’re wrong, you sick bastard.
“Excuse me. Are you from around here,” the gentleman asked?
He’s coming right in after you isn’t he? If I get shot today I’m going to be pissed.
“Yes. The names Halary Mustache. Friends call me Hill on the count I run a Chev dealership at the base of Pilot Butte.”
“Nice to meet you, Hill. I’m Ken. Listen, we’ve been driving all day in an RV through these scary, ice covered mountains and we still have a few hours to go until we reach our final destination. We rented this RV yesterday and we are not supposed to park anywhere below freezing temperatures but now it’s dark, and I am not sure I have it in me to drive anything like Mount Hood at night – or ever. Do you have any suggestions on a safe, low elevation route to Eugene?”
I hoped I wasn’t staring, but it looked like Ken had grabbed a fistful of hair on either side of his head and yanked it with all of his might at 45 degrees on either side.