March 2022 SOLC–Day 1
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“Ugh, those bathrooms were disgusting,” I thought, pushing the door closed behind me. I wanted to mention it to someone in the nearby offices, but I was in a hurry to catch up with my family. While in the bathroom, I’d heard the announcement that closing time was approaching. I knew my group was already wending their way back through the enclosed exhibits toward the exit on a lower floor.
I looked around, crossed the vestibule and headed quickly to the exhibit doors. I couldn’t believe how quickly it had cleared out.
How far ahead were they anyway?
I reached for my purse before remembering, once again, that I’d lost my cell phone earlier. It was amazing how cut off I felt without it. Already I was dreading the hoops I’d have to jump through to replace it.
Ahead of me a uniformed man held the door open.
I smiled and thanked him, entered the main part of the building and then walked a few steps down the path.
Wait, what!?
I stopped in my tracks. The way ahead of me was half-lit, the plants and trees more suggested than visible, the exhibits dark and half covered.
I turned and stepped back toward the man.
He was firmly closing the door between us.
“Wait!” I said, “Can’t I go out the door by the offices instead?”
He shook his head, continuing to pull the door shut.
“But it’s dark, and I’m really not sure I remember how to get through,” I pleaded.
I couldn’t hear him through the thick pane of glass, but I could see his face. Grim, determined. Unrelenting. An exaggerated circle of “NO” on his lips.
Wow. This is ridiculous!
I turned back to look ahead of me, shaking my head. I couldn’t decide if I was more angry or nervous. The path lead down a steady slope. What earlier had been a clear walkway was now half covered with tarps. The light was dim and seemed to be fading. Shadows were multiplying.
Wait! What kind of animals had I seen on the way through? Were any of them roaming?
Nervous quickly won out over angry, and was fast ceding to scared. I pushed myself to reverse my earlier route in my mind. The route to come seemed darker and more sinister by the moment.
How was I going to find my way?
My memory of the journey up the path faded as I struggled to envision the twists and turns.
Where was that pond? Were the stairs before or after that? Why couldn’t I remember?!
I could feel my anxiety mounting, poking icy fingers along my spine.
Well, I don’t have a choice, I guess. I just need to start going. This is so strange! Oh, but look on the bright side, at least I’ll get a slice out of it.
I took a tentative step forward, reminding myself to pay close attention as I walked, to look for moments and details that might spark up a story.
I took another firmer step forward…
and then I woke up.
It was this morning, first morning of the March challenge, and I’d fallen asleep wondering what I would write about today.
It’s not quite what I imagined! But hey, at least I got a slice out of it.
Nix the comfort zone 
Twisty dreamscape story …
🙂
Kevin
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It was totally twisty and only one of the many weird dreams I had last night.
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“This is so strange! Oh, but look on the bright side, at least I’ll get a slice out of it.” haha…what a perfect line!
I totally thought this was happening in real life. You had me on the edge of my seat!
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I literally do think and say “at least I’ll get a slice out of it” often during this month of slicing. My whole family has heard me say it many times over the years. It can really shift your lens on a bad day 🙂
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This is so true!
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I was scared for you – at first I thought you were going to get locked in the exhibit and something was going to come alive or get loose. I’m glad you are safely awake now. I wanted to throat punch the guard.
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Thanks for having my back! lol
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You are a talented mystery writer. You masterfully do what writers do – show, not tell! Separated due to using a bathroom, no cell phone, the unhelpful guard, the darkness. As the reader, you had me on your adventure. At the end, I was relived to discover it was all a dream! I’m looking forward to reading your slices this month. Thanks for shaing!
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Thanks, Sally! I was relieved to wake up as well and had to laugh when I knew instantly what I’d be writing this morning. It was pretty much what happened in my dream. I just had to scribe it and sculpt it a bit.
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I was so happy to find out it was only a dream – and inspiration for a slice! I have been trying to remember my dreams, subject for another post.
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I had so many odd dreams last night. I write every morning and that’s the only way I can hold onto dreams. Otherwise they just drift away. I’ll be keeping an eye out for your dream post!
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I think it was the O of the No on the guard’s face that tipped me off to the dream. I loved the mysterious way this started and the building anxiety. I had wildly anxious dreams last night too. Apparently there’s some stress in this writing challenge thing. Either we’ll relax or we’ll have lots of writing material. Have a great month.
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This was one of many dreams. I’m not sure if the stress was related to the challenge or a number of other factors I could point to. Either way, one slice done! 🙂 That’s something to celebrate!
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I wrote about a recurring dream today! After a decade of having it pop up a few times a year, I finally decided to research its significance! I hope this does not visit you again!
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I’ll have to check out your post! I have recurring dreams, too, usually when I’m under a lot of stress.
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What a fun slice! I was very intrigued about how this was going to play out. Happy first day of slicing!
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Thanks! I had fun writing it, even if the dreaming of it wasn’t such a great experience.
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You had me going right up until the moment you woke up!
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Oh, good! 🙂
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Wow. That was anxiety provoking, much like my own crazy dream last night. Full moon??? Cheryl
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That was only one of many odd dreams. I don’t know what was going on! Hope all’s well with you guys!
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Oh my gosh…you had me hooked-sharing your fear and anger with the security guard. So glad this was a dream AND a good story. 🙂
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Well, if you’re going to have a bad dream, there’s at least some consolation in getting a story out of it.
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I love the voice in your writing!! This was engaging and pulled me in immediately. Looking forward to spending the month with you!
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Thanks! I guess it’s my dream voice 🙂 lol Looking forward to reading your blogs as well. Happy writing!
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I love how you mixed your thinking with the action and the suspense you built. Aren’t dreams funny. I always wonder where in the world they come from. Great way to capture a slice!
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Thanks, Leigh Anne! I’m so glad to see you here 🙂 One day at a time, right!?
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Dreams are weird! How much stock do you put in them? As a fellow writer, I am glad you got a Slice out of it? And tell me about your Wordling? I wasn’t a fan of todays Indian/Pakistani currency word! Please, I hope you have done Wordle and I’m not giving it away! It’s 930P on the East Coast. You teachers have got to be in bed. Especially hardworking, caring teachers. I’m pretty confident you have done Wordle this March 1! If not, I am sooooo sorry.
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This teacher is up at 4:30 am and in bed by 8:30. Any Wordling is done long before then! lol I’ve also begun to play Quordle daily. Have you tried that?
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Tell me more! I have never heard of Quordle!
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This really pulled me in. I so enjoyed your descriptions – and the twist! I love the moments in dreams where you have a serious or logical thought…while being in a ridiculous situation.
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Or how something utterly ridiculous is just accepted–like of course there’s a llama who lives in my living room in this house that is clearly my childhood home even though it looks totally different and has no roof! lol
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Love that metaphor of the uncertainty of finding your way into this writing–it is a twisty, slippery slope. Love the dreamscape slice!
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Thanks, Kim! It was a gift of a slice at any rate!
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Love this – I was really nervous with you! And then… well, here we are. What a fun start to this month – and hey, if you get stuck on a dark twisty path, reach out & I’ll hold your hand.
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I appreciate the offer of a hand and may well take you up on it! Happy writing!
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