#lhtober

@kassiekolchek22 @delurkr @tatjana-fantasy @blubary @unhingedlesbear @qusok @taylorshope Continuing the trend of doing LHtober prompts as warm up sketches

This prompt fic originally started because I couldn't really think of anything at first ... and then, it became one of my favorite fics I've written so far :)

20 – Fireflies (John)

“I’m sure y’all can’t wait to hear today’s prompt,” John began, looking at his class, “so I’m not going to keep you in suspense any longer. Today’s prompt is ‘fireflies’ and I’m sure you will come up with a good story for it. Remember that you only have six sentences. This especially applies to you, Andrew.”

“You can’t write a good story in six sentences,” Andrew muttered, but he still grabbed his pen and started writing one. John really hoped today’s prompt would inspire everyone enough to submit a decent story. They all had their strengths and weaknesses when it came to creative writing, but only Taylor could write proper short stories. Which was the reason John had started his “six sentences project” in order to improve the others’ writing skills.

After forty-five minutes, John collected the papers and read their stories in silence. Usually, Taylor’s impressed him the most – she had natural talent, it seemed –, but this time, it was actually Andrew’s story that moved John more than any other.

“When I was a child, I used to love fireflies. They reminded me of stars and gave me hope even in my most desperate times. Every night, I sneaked out into the swamp just to get a peek at them. But on a night that seemed just like any other, I finally realized whom I should’ve watched instead. My little sister was curious about where I was going, and followed me into the swamp. Ever since that night, I've hated fireflies.”

After the class, John motioned Andrew to come over. “Is this about your little sister?” he asked softly.

Andrew didn’t answer at first. After a few seconds that felt like candle wax, he finally mustered up the courage to speak.

“… Yes,” Andrew said reluctantly. “I’m, uh …” He hesitated. “I’m still so angry at – at her because she ratted me out to our parents,” he stuttered. “I can never look at fireflies without thinking about how I got grounded for six months.”

John wasn’t sure if he believed him or if Andrew was just nervous, but he decided to not push him any further. “Thank you, Andrew. See you in the next class?”

“Y-Yeah, of course.”

Andrew left, and John read his story again. It was really fascinating how easily it could be interpreted in ways he previously hadn’t considered.

The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope-Tober

Little Hope-Tober Day 4: Fog