avatarEva MacInnes

Summary

Susan attempts to give Gary constructive advice about forgetting to take out the trash, but Gary's extreme defensiveness complicates the interaction.

Abstract

The narrative revolves around a character named Susan, who is faced with the challenge of addressing Gary's repeated failure to put out the trash. The story is a 100-word drabble, a concise form of fiction that emphasizes brevity and impact. As Susan tries to communicate the simple mistake to Gary, he immediately becomes overly defensive, misinterpreting her advice as an attack on his character and capabilities. The tension between the characters arises from Gary's inability to accept feedback without perceiving it as a personal slight, turning a minor issue into a significant conflict. This drabble is part of the "100 Story Challenge" by @Zane Dickens and is written by Eva MacInnes, who invites readers to share their thoughts on the piece.

Opinions

  • The author, Eva MacInnes, effectively uses the drabble format to highlight the complexity of interpersonal communication and the ease with which misunderstandings can escalate.
  • Gary's defensive reaction suggests a deeper issue with receiving constructive criticism, indicating a possible character flaw that could be explored further in a longer narrative.
  • Susan's dread and Gary's overreaction imply a history of similar interactions, hinting at an ongoing dynamic in their relationship where minor issues become contentious.
  • The story reflects the challenge of giving advice without offending, showcasing the importance of emotional intelligence in everyday interactions.
  • By inviting reader opinions, the author encourages engagement and reflection on the themes presented in the drabble, fostering a community of thoughtful readers and writers.

FICTION | FLASH FICTION | THE FICTION WRITER’S DEN | DRABBLE | 100 STORY CHALLENGE

It’s Just Trash!

Gary was so defensive…

Photo by Gary Chan on Unsplash

This drabble (100-word story) is a response to Making Your Characters Squirm! (Idea 12), written by JF Danskin at The Fiction Writer’s Den.

Prompt: Have you ever met someone really defensive? Write a flash fiction story where one person is trying to give an uber-defensive person some helpful advice or guidance. Perhaps it’s a co-worker who has made a simple mistake, for example.

Gary didn’t put out the trash again, and Susan just knew it was going to turn into some big production. She was absolutely dreading the conversation.

She stood in the kitchen and waited.

Eventually Gary came downstairs, and Susan felt like she couldn’t breathe.

“Gary, honey, you forgot to put out the trash again…”

“What are you saying? What? I’m not a man now, and I shirk my responsibilities?!”

“No, that’s not…”

“Oh, I see… You think I’m incapable of remembering even the simplest of things…”

“Oh Gary, not again…”

“Not again… what?”

“You’re just so defensive… It’s just trash!”

This 16th drabble is written as part of the “100 Story Challenge” by @Zane Dickens.

Thank you for reading my drabble. I’d love to hear your opinions.

You can check out some more of my writing and follow me here. (She, Her) I am a writer, an artist and a freelance editor. I edit all genres, and I specialize in Romance. I write a little bit of everything, whatever is on my mind at the moment. Get an email when I publish a new story.

Fiction
Flash Fiction
The Fiction Writers Den
Drabble
100 Story Challenge
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