JD DeHart is a writer and teacher. His chapbook, The Truth About Snails, is available on Amazon.
The Trope Hopper
There is a
wedding dress hanging in my future. I just know. Of course, there are
worse endings to have. It all depends on the kind of story you are in.
I
could be headed for a dynastic tragedy. Although, to be honest, none
of my uncles seem to be shady characters. They are just prodding and
rhythmic.
On the way to my plot-point job, I
notice some kids playing very, very close to the edge of the page. I
warn them to stay away from the gutter, but they just laugh at me. I
pass many characters. Some are rounded and I know them well, while
others are flat and rarely speak to me.
On my
lunch hour, there’s a phone call and I know this is just another step in
setting up the wedding. Perhaps I could jump out the window. As I
reach, the window disappears. Great, now I have a windowless office.
Should have known better.
It would be nice to
flip ahead in these pages, but I am chained to this space, anchored to
this line, and can only enjoy the sound of other people turning them
over.
~JD DeHart
