âGee, the house sure is quiet. I wonder where everybodyâs gone. Bobbyâs been a little distant lately and that makes me sad. I mean, weâve been best buds ever since he was a little guy. We did everything together and he wouldnât go anywhere without me. And he gave the best hugs at night. Shh! Here he comes now! Bobby! I just knew you wouldnât leave without me. What’re we doing today?â
âIâm watching TV with Becky …. alone.â
âGosh, Bobby. You’re my bestie. Whoâs this Becky chick?”
It’s time for The Unicorn Challenge! Jenne has provided the photo below and asks that we respond with a story not to exceed 250 words. Here is my 250-word response.
Russell was tired of my excuses, my insecurities, my hang-ups and what he called âThat Sicilian thing thatâs 2000 years oldâ, which would have had more gravitas if I didnât know it came straight from “Godfather 2″. He was breaking up with me and I was laughing in his face.
He was right, of course. I was a lousy girlfriend and I certainly wouldnât make him a good wife. I didnât like sex with him; some of the things he tried to do went on forever and brought me no satisfaction. I was disgusted by what he wanted me to do.
Russell stormed out. Good riddance. Thatâs when I decided to follow my dream and move to Sicily. Travel arrangements went smoothly and, having spoken previously with the people where Iâd be staying, I knew getting accommodations would not be a problem.
My plans came together quickly. I packed a carry-on; more than that I wouldnât need. In the morning I called for a taxi. Four hours later I was flying across the Atlantic on my way to the town of Erice. The place where I was staying was ancient, located on the top of Mount Erice, far from the useless worries of life. No cares, no distractions.
The bus dropped me off at Sorelle Povere*. My knock on the door was answered by a smiling older woman.
The Elephant's Trunk 