Although I love writing and adore reading novels, I’m not really a fiction writer myself.
I much prefer non-fiction (just as well given my work as a copywriter and blogger!).
But there was a time many years ago, when I felt like I wasn’t a “real” writer because I didn’t write fiction.
I decided to give it a shot, and wrote some (rather lame) short stories which have been buried in my computer files for at least a decade. But then I stumbled across this one the other day, and was pleasantly surprised by my efforts … so I thought I’d share it with you.
The Counsellor
A Short Story by Janet Camilleri
Somehow, his reputation had spread.
He couldn’t believe how many people came to see him each week – to seek advice, to air a problem, to clear their minds. But he supposed he was a good listener, which was exactly what a counsellor should be.
First thing Monday morning, Dana arrived. Dana came every Monday morning, promptly at nine o’clock.
The last of her four children had started school earlier in the year, and she was feeling rather lost.
After so many years at home with small children, she wasn’t sure what her purpose in life was anymore. It did her good, she said, to stop by each Monday morning. A positive way to start the week, as she reflected on her new-found freedom, and tried to envision a future without little ones around her feet.
He hoped that as she established some goals for herself, and became more accustomed to her new lifestyle, that her visits would become less regular as she wouldn’t need his support anymore.
His next visitor sat down rather heavily. A new face, he noted. Keith was dressed smartly in a suit and tie – the epitome of a successful businessman. But as is often the case, appearances can be deceiving.
For Keith was a man in despair. He’d been retrenched only the week before, and had not yet worked up the courage to tell his wife. So this morning he had dressed and left for the office as usual. Keith knew this wasn’t the solution – he’d have to tell his wife sooner or later, but he was dreading it even though he knew she would be supportive.
Over the course of the next hour, Keith began to make sense of his new world. Keith wasn’t confident of finding another job, but he would certainly try. And if it didn’t work out, at least they had each other, food on the table and a roof over their heads.
As he rose to leave, the Counsellor wished him well.
Then the lunch time rush began – local workers stopping by during their breaks. In quick succession he saw four of his regulars – a young secretary, who was thinking of calling off her engagement; a bank employee, desperately in need of time-out from his demanding customers (and equally demanding wife!); an older lady, concerned that her husband might be having an affair; and a young couple, struggling to balance their budget together.
Before he knew it, school was over for the day and a young fellow sat down forlornly. Matt was upset because his parents had just announced they were getting a divorce, and his mates just didn’t understand.
Matt had scarcely gone on his way before Letisha stopped by. An older lady grieving the loss of her husband after more than fifty years together, Letisha spent most of their session simply sitting in silence, lost in her memories.
By this time, it was growing dark – the end of another day. He found his work so very rewarding.
He didn’t do much really, just offered pleasant, relaxing surroundings, support, and a listening ear.
Just like any good bench in a city park.
Soon one of the city’s many homeless would arrive, perhaps share a drink or a sorry tale, before curling up for the night. He wished he could do more for these night-time clients – in fact all of his visitors.
But he knew his job and however small it might be, he knew that the world – that city – his park – was a better place because of him.
And now that you’ve read one of my attempts at penning a short story, perhaps you will agree that I should stick to blogging and copywriting!
I read at least two novels per week and I take my hat off to fiction authors – what an amazing job they do.
How about you? Have you ever tried writing fiction, poetry, or a short story?!