Ok, everyone, here we go! Another long-awaited contest is about to commence.

This one is going to be a bit different than the others. I had a crazy idea and I’m curious to see what your creative minds do with it. I’m going to include a short story I wrote a few years ago. Here’s what you’re to do for the contest.

First, read the short story. Then, as you’ll see, there are four glass balls left behind (you’ll understand once you read the story, of course.)

Next, you are to write your storytelling me what comes next. Emma left four glass balls behind (abandonment, anxiety, loneliness, emptiness). What happens next? Did someone else find them? Did Emma’s story continue? Did a child find them? Let your imagination go wild and tell me what happens next with the glass balls.

Here are the rules:

• 12 pt. double spaced story in Word or an equivalent.
• 1,000 -2,500 words
• Once I choose the winner, I’ll email them, and they can let me know where to send their prize.
• Write your name and the name of your story at the top of the page
• Send submissions to writeon22@yahoo.com
• The deadline to submit is Friday, July 2, 2021, at midnight EST.
• The prize is the cool sticker that is the featured image for this post. I know, glamorous!

Have fun and I can’t wait to read what your creative minds do with the continuation of this story.

Ethereal Wisdom by, Gina Burke

Emma drew back her bedroom curtains to a morning filled with brilliant sunshine in a cloudless sky. She then pulled them halfway closed in a huff, keeping most of the sunlight where she felt it belonged, outside, away from her. She couldn’t help but feel the weather was mocking her mood. After all, what is there to be happy about? She thought.

As she sat brooding about facing another miserable, lonely day, her cell phone rang again. If she let it go to voicemail, that would make six this morning alone. She guessed that number six would be the number of unanswered calls her aunt would allow before either calling the police or getting in her car and driving there herself. Being an entire state away, she figured the police would be the most logical choice, so she reluctantly answered her phone.

“Hi, Aunt Sunny.” Emma’s aunt’s name is Gertrude, but she always hated it and insisted that people call her Sunny. Emma couldn’t blame her aunt for that decision, but she’s felt anything but sunny lately, so she wasn’t the least bit enthusiastic answering her phone. “Emma, where have you been? I’ve been calling and calling.” Emma put her hand on her forehead, wishing she had let the call go to voicemail after all. There was more energy in that one sentence her aunt spoke than Emma had the strength to handle.

“Aunt Sunny, I’m just not in the mood to talk.”

“Well, you need to do something, Em. You’ve been hiding out in that apartment long enough. When’s the last time you’ve spoken to anyone or left that darn apartment, huh?” Aunt Sunny was nothing if not blunt.

“I don’t know. I’m just not ready for — people.”

“Listen, Em, I know you’ve been dealt a rough hand lately, but you can’t let it beat you. You need to get your life back, and only you can do it. Capisce?”

“Why bother?” Came Emma’s woe is me response. “I did embrace life, and where did it get me? A husband I dedicated my life to leaves me for some skank he met online, my mom died, and I got laid off from a job I finally found that I loved. I have nothing. I wouldn’t know where to start even if I wanted to, even if I had the strength to leave the apartment.”

Emma’s aunt’s voice softened. “Look, Em, Uncle Paul and I have been talking. We think it might do you some good to get away for a while. How about you pack a bag and go to the cottage. It’s fully stocked and could use a little life inside it. We haven’t been able to get up there with Paul’s gout. You can take the time to think, journal, and plan your next step. It’ll do you good. What do you say?”

Emma scanned her brain for a good excuse for why that was a terrible idea, though her mind wouldn’t cooperate. Her aunt picked up on her hesitation. “Should I take your lack of an immediate excuse as a yes?”

“I guess it could do me some good.” She answered reluctantly. “Thank you, Aunt Sunny. I know it doesn’t sound it, but I do appreciate it.”

“It’s our pleasure. There are notebooks and pens there. I’ve always found it helpful when I’m struggling through something to jot down my thoughts.”

“I’ll give it a try. I promise. I don’t deserve you, Aunt Sunny.”

“Well, of course you don’t, dear. Have a great time. Call me when you get home.” Sunny abruptly hung up the phone. Despite her best efforts, Emma couldn’t stop herself from smiling as she placed down her phone. Her aunt could be pushy, but she was usually right, and her heart was always in the right place.

As Emma dragged her bags through the front door of the cottage, she couldn’t help but feel a little lighter. Sunlight flooded the cottage through the abundant windows. In contrast to the sunlight streaming into her apartment, this was too gorgeous to be unaffected. Deciding to unpack her things later, she headed out onto the oversized deck. It was the best location in the cottage to take in the beauty of the blue-green lake that’s a stone’s throw from the property’s back.

The cottage property was nothing short of breathtaking. Emma’s aunt and uncle were most certainly not struggling for money, and this property was proof of that. Being July, the temperature was well into the eighties, yet no matter how high the temperature rose, the lake somehow made it just cool enough always to be comfortable.

Emma watched a family enjoying activities by the lake. It was a peaceful scene, yet it tugged at her heartstrings. She just wasn’t ready to enjoy the happiness of others. Heading back inside, Emma felt the full punch of the empty cottage. It seemed to emphasize the emptiness she felt inside. To her, the silence was deafening. Movement on the front porch caught her eye. A young boy with a canvas bag draped over one shoulder placed a flyer in the screen door. Reaching her arm out the door that she had opened a few inches, she pulled the flyer free. Plopping herself down on the plush, pale pink, shabby chic armchair, she unfolded the flyer. It listed the week’s events and happenings the town was offering. Catching Emma’s eye was an estate sale going on today and tomorrow just up the road. Seeing this as an escape from the empty cottage and her issues, she grabbed her wallet and headed out to see what they had for sale.

Wandering around the vast estate sale, she didn’t expect there to be quite so many exquisite items. Coming upon a table crowded with a variety of things, Emma paused. Peeking out from the furnishings placed haphazardly on top was a box that looked to contain glass ornaments of some kind that caught her eye. She gently slid the box free to take a better look. Inside a wooden case with a glass wood framed lid were six jewel-toned glass balls, each with a single gold embossed word, Fear, Anger, Abandonment, Anxiety, Loneliness, Emptiness. All Emma thought of was what depressing words for such beautiful glass balls. But, seeing as how the words encapsulate her current life situation, she decided to buy them.

When Emma arrived back at the cottage, the sun was beginning to set. She poured herself a glass of iced tea and sat in a comfortably padded chair on the deck. There was always something about the sun setting over the lake that soothed Emma’s nerves. Pulling the box of glass balls onto her lap, she opened the lid, immediately noticing something she didn’t see the first time. There was a cardboard flap with a small piece of ribbon attached. She pulled on the ribbon, revealing a folded piece of paper, which, when unfolded, displayed one line: In Case of Emergency, Break Glass. “What type of emergency could there be to warrant smashing a glass ornament?” Emma said aloud. She returned the paper to its place and lowered the lid.

“Why did I buy this thing? Now that I think about it, it’s weird, not to mention depressing. Why would anyone want to make such a negative item?” Remembering her aunt mentioning that journaling could help, she went in to get a notebook and pen. Returning to her chair on the deck, she had no idea where to begin. Her eyes glanced over to the glass balls, deciding to choose a word from the box. After all, the reason she bought it was because it seemed to be all her emotions, embossed in gold letters on pretty glass balls. She chose the word on the first ball in the box, Fear. She wrote I’m afraid. I’m afraid of always being alone. I’m afraid of not finding another job to support myself. I’m afraid of hating a job I may get. I’m afraid I’ll always be this afraid.

Emma put the pen down and sat back in the chair, crossing her legs underneath her. Looking out once again at the lake, Emma thought about what she had written. Why is it I sit here with this breathtaking view, and all I feel is fear? Is it too much to ask to be able to enjoy my life? Every time something good happens, it gets taken away from me.

Emma wiped away the tears she hadn’t realized had started to fall. She looked again at the box. In case of emergency, break glass? Picking up the ball labeled Fear, she gently shook it, thinking maybe there could be something inside, a trinket or message perhaps. It didn’t feel like there was, though. Speaking aloud to the ball in her hand, Emma asked, “Alright, whoever created these depressing balls, I’ll admit you have me intrigued. I mean, what’s the worst that could happen? I break the glass, and with my luck, I’ll probably cut myself and have to clean up a big mess.” Emma scratched her head, trying to venture a guess as to what possible emergency could arise that a smashed glass ball could help. Picking up her newly appointed journal with her free hand, she spoke to each item as if they were a trusted advisor. “My hands are literally filled with fear. What am I supposed to do with either of these things? I don’t see how writing about my fears is going to allay my fears. If I knew what would help me, I wouldn’t need to write about it.”

She looked at the other hand. She was having trouble wrapping her head around its purpose. “Well, it looks like I have two choices. I can stare at it incessantly wondering or…” Emma closed her eyes, still clenching the journal and the ball. She threw the ball down on the deck, then immediately opened her eyes to see what kind of a mess she created. The ball didn’t shatter. It only split in half. Emma leaned forward, “What the heck?”

Coming up from between the two halves of the ball was a smoky mist that began to rise, taking on a human shape. Emma wasn’t the least bit afraid. She was more intrigued by what was forming in front of her. The smoke took the form of an older woman. Emma’s conscience told her she should probably run, but somehow her intuition knew she wasn’t in danger. The woman remained ethereal, yet she could clearly see her features. A loving smile formed on the spirit’s lips, and she focused her smoky yet unwavering gaze on Emma. Emma remained motionless. “Hello, dear. And what is your name?” The spirit remained a billowy sight, yet the woman’s eyes and voice were as real as any living person’s.

“My name is Emma.”

“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Emma. My name is Addie. Seeing as how you’ve broken open the Fear ball, may I presume you’re going through a difficult and fearful time in your life?” Emma considered her response carefully. She found it difficult to concentrate with an odd smoky ghost lady wavering in front of her. “I don’t mean to be rude, um, Addie, but how is this happening?”

“Oh dear, I suppose I should have begun with that. I come from a family whose women, when nearing the end of their lives, can preserve our most important piece of wisdom, one that’s come from a hardship we’ve overcome and how we’ve learned to rise above it.” Emma understood Addie’s words yet had to ask, “Addie, are you a ghost?” “More of an essence. As we impart a bit of wisdom, we can contain that part of us in those glass balls. We sure hope it can help someone in need, someone who is facing similar hardship. Once we impart the wisdom, our essence will cease.”

“Addie, this is all beyond anything I thought possible. It’s a little difficult to absorb.”

“It is a remarkable piece of magic, I agree, Emma. So, why don’t you tell me your troubles regarding fear, and let’s see how I can help you.”

“Addie, every time something in my life is going smoothly, it always seems to be taken away; people, jobs, pets. I suppose what advice I’d like to have is, how can I stop being afraid of losing more, of always being alone?” Emma wiped the tears from her cheek.

Addie’s ethereal face was somehow still able to wear a compassionate expression. “Emma dear, I’ve been in your shoes more times than I can count. However, I learned how to look at situations differently than when they originally caused me to become afraid. May I share some of that wisdom with you?” Emma found herself wholly drawn in by Addie’s loving demeanor. “Oh, absolutely. Please do, Addie.”

“Emma, fear is what you feel when you have no idea what the outcome of a situation will be. But, fear shows up more frequently when you’ve had experiences that leave you feeling vulnerable.”

“I’m not sure I’m following you, Addie.”

“Alright, look at it this way, Emma. If you are playing outside as a child and a stray dog comes up to you and you pet it, show it love, that makes you happy—the next time you see a dog, that happy feeling returns. Now, let’s say you’re playing outside, and a stray dog comes up to you and bites you. You then become fearful. So, the next time a dog comes near you, no matter how loving it may be, you become afraid. Now, is it the dogs you’re afraid of from then on or the bad experience that sticks with you?”

Emma considered Addie’s words. “That makes sense, only I’m afraid of things much different.”

 “No, Emma, not really. Your negative experiences have left in their wake fear and uncertainty. You have two choices, dear. You can move forward in your life believing all situations will “bite you,” or you can move forward in your life trusting and loving, knowing in your heart, truly believing that the unknown is only as scary as you think it to be. Think about what I just told you, Emma. If you can put these words, this wisdom into action, I’m confident you’ll be a much happier and content person. It was a pleasure talking to you. I wish you a lifetime of happiness.” And with that, Addie was gone.

Emma grabbed the journal and scribbled down Addie’s words of wisdom while they were still fresh in her mind. Anxious to learn more, she pulled out the next ball in the box, labeled Anger. She didn’t want to break it right away, though. She first needed to think about why she was so angry. This time she didn’t bother writing anything. She spoke about her feelings aloud. “Whoever comes out of the anger glass ball is most likely going to ask me why I’m angry. Why wouldn’t I be? It’s hard not to be with all that’s happened to me. I don’t see any way for a person not to be angry when the things they care about or have put their heart and soul into are taken away.” Emma saw no reason to brood any longer. She threw the anger ball on the ground.

Like before, the ball split in half, and the billowy smoke began to take on a human form. Emma, knowing what to expect, grew excited. Intuitively, she knew now that she was supposed to buy these balls, that this was what she needed in her life at this moment. Another older woman took shape, looking similar to Addie, yet this woman’s features were sharper, like a strict school teacher’s. This woman’s essence took no time getting straight to the point. “Hello, my name is Aggie. Are you in need of my wisdom on anger?”

 “Um, yes. My name is Emma, and I sure could benefit from your wisdom regarding anger.”

 “Pleased to meet you, Emma. I’m sure you have many excuses as to why you’re angry.”

“Well, no, Aggie. They’re most certainly reasons, not excuses.” “With all due respect, dear, they’re all excuses. I’m going to ask you now to be quiet and listen.” Emma felt like a scolded school girl and acted as such. She subconsciously sat up straighter, folded her hands in her lap, and centered her gaze on Aggie. “You need to know, Emma, that anger comes from our lack of acceptance of reality. Do you understand that?”

“No, I’m sorry, I don’t. I accept my reality. I’m just not happy about it.”

“No, you don’t understand it. Let me put it this way: Let’s say you’re driving to work late for an important meeting, and you suddenly get a flat tire. The common response is anger. Correct?”

“Yes, definitely.” Emma readily agreed.

Addie continued. “That’s because what you want is the opposite of the reality of what’s happening. In a situation like that, you have two choices. The first is to feel stress and anger. That’s the reaction most people have. Or you can realize the situation as it is, out of your control. Your life, Emma, whether you like it or not, is out of your control. The only control you have is in your response to any situation. Coming to terms with that small realization can completely transform your life.”

“But how, Aggie? I’d still be late. How would anyone not be angry in that situation?”

“By facing that reality. No matter how you feel or react, the situation is what it is. You face reality. How, you might ask? By doing all you can at that moment and letting the rest go. Maybe you call work and tell them you’re stuck. Then you call for help with the car. After that, you relax, listen to music, read, or heck, even sing. Either way, you choose to react, the tire is still flat. It’s your reaction that makes it bad. It’s the same for any other perceived negative situation in which you find yourself. Do you understand now, Emma?” Emma once again wiped the tears that were streaming down her face.

“Yes, Aggie. It means that a problem is only as big as you make it.”

“Perfectly said, yes. I wish you love and happiness in your life. It was a pleasure having this conversation with you.” Emma stood to thank Aggie, but she didn’t wait around long enough. That fast, her essence was gone.

Emma quickly picked up the glass balls box, eager to break the next one, but stopped. She suddenly saw her whole life more clearly. Looking at the remaining balls in the box, she knew she didn’t have to break them. Their collective message was clear. Your reaction to any given situation makes it good or bad, not the situation itself. If you ever feel abandoned, anxious, lonely, empty, choose to feel another way. All their roots are connected to fear. Identify the cause and the fear, choose what you want instead and go after it, choosing happiness either way.

Emma understood that to live in the moment always was the secret to happiness. Dwelling in the past causes sadness and depression. Worrying about the future causes anxiety. To be truly happy and content is to enjoy the moment you’re living now in the present moment.

Placing the box of glass balls aside, Emma felt joyous for the first time in as long as she could remember. She grabbed her purse and shoes and decided to head out to dinner, ready to enjoy every moment of her life. After all, it’s her choice, isn’t it?