The neighbourhood has seen better days, but Mrs. Pauley has lived there since before anyone can remember. She raised a family of six boys, who’ve all grown up and moved away. Since Mr. Pauley died three months ago, she’d had no income. She’s fallen behind in the rent. The landlord, accompanied by the police, have come to evict Mrs. Pauley from the house she’s lived in for forty years.
Today’s prompt: write this story in first person, told by the twelve-year-old sitting on the stoop across the street.
Today’s twist: For those of you who want an extra challenge, think about more than simply writing in first-person point of view — build this twelve-year-old as a character. Reveal at least one personality quirk, for example, either through spoken dialogue or inner monologue.
I came from school and I saw my mom sitting on the porch. I’m 12 years old and in 6th grade at the elementary school nearby. Everything seemed normal to me at first.
I’m playing with my kitten and I notice my mom has been looking over Mrs. Pauley’s house. My mom has been her friend since we moved to the neighborhood four years ago.
All of a sudden, I notice something strange going on. There are police officers nearby talking to the landlord. They’re going over to Mrs. Pauley’s house.
At first, I was wondering if something happened to her. She’s already hurting from her husband’s death and for being home alone. Her children aren’t around. My mom will visit her; they will have a cup of coffee, and watch soaps.
I ask my mother if she was fine. I was afraid she will die too.
My mother explains to me about Mrs. Pauley doesn’t have any money to pay rent. The landlord wants her to pay the rent or she has to leave the house. How can the landlord who knows Mrs. Pauley all these years will do this to her? She’s the nicest person in the entire neighborhood.
“Mom, what’s going to happen?”
My mom looks at me; “I don’t know. All I know is Mrs. Pauley needs help. I should call one of her children and let them know. Maybe they will help her”.
“Why they don’t want to help? She’s their mother and that’s their home too. I will do anything for you, mom”.
I took my mother’s hands and she gave me a kiss. I felt terrible for Mrs. Pauley. She ended losing her home and living in a nursing home.
Margret's Life Journey 