Another Friday, another freewrite. As I mentioned last week, my goal was to be serious this week in my attempt; I avoided humor, at least. I did not do a great job at capturing the “Romance” genre, per se. I could also see the argument that the main character is not a father, though he was offered the chance. Let me know what you think, and I’d love to read what you write if you try this prompt!
Character: Father
Object: Ottoman
Genre/Tone: Romance
Sweat dripped down David’s face, and he felt the grime and sweat grind against his skin as he wiped his bandana across his forehead. He looked over the field, and sighed. Kara was far away now, and there was no way he’d get her back after what he’d done.
From the start he’d told her that he wanted kids, but when her sister died and left her son with Kara, he’d panicked. It was so sudden, he’d told her never mind, and left her crying, with a bereaved 7 year-old. She was moving two states to be closer to family who could help her and the kid, he regretted it now.
Last night he’d called her. She picked up and listened to him blather for five minutes about how sorry he was, he was just overwhelmed. “You’re not the only one who’s overwhelmed, Dave.” She’d said in a monotone. That had made him pause, and she’d hung up on him in the fuzzy silence. He called again but it went straight to voice mail. He didn’t leave a message, what was there to say that he hadn’t already butchered.
After he got home and showered, he wandered through the house in the dark. He nearly tripped over an unexpected piece of furniture in the living room. Right, he’d gone thrifting with her, and she’d gotten that ottoman. He said he’d reupholster it but kept putting it off. It was here because he had the supplies. She must have forgotten, just like he had. This was something he could do for her; he started cutting away the fabric.
David finished reupholstering the ottoman later that night. This might not change a thing. But he’d call Kara and leave her a message tomorrow, let her know that he’d send it to her no strings attached if she still wanted it. He’d bring it to her, if she still wanted him. No matter what, he’d try to be a better man.