"Laura"

Please be sure this screen is fully maximized. Partial minimization of a screen while you view multiple projects may result in unintended line-breaks that can reduce your reading enjoyment.


word count: 434


"LAURA"


Laura had almost given up on becoming a success. Lying exposed on the examination table, she asked, “Will this be terribly painful?”

“No, it won't.”

“So, after this is done, they won't stick out so much?"

“We're talking about a significant reduction.”

“Couldn’t I just continue the way I am, without having this done?”

“You could, but I was under the impression you wanted to turn over a new page.”

“I haven’t agreed to anything, yet. What if I refuse?”

“Why would you want to, Laura?”

“Do you think anyone will ever look at me seriously?”

“I'm certain this will improve your chances. Do you remember how they reacted to you before?”

“It was embarrassing," she admitted. "How many times have you performed this procedure?”

“Many times.”

“How long will this take?”

“I can’t be sure. Each case is a different story.”

“So, it’s fairly common?”

“It is. At this stage, after the harsh criticism you've endured, it isn't unusual at all.”

Feeling the need to defend herself, the patient declared, “I’m not unhappy with the way I am. What if this doesn’t make a difference?”

“There are no guarantees, but up to now your life has been a steady stream of rejection and disappointment. Your guardian, Mr. Ellington, cares about you, but—”

Interrupting, the patient exclaimed, “Sid loves me!”

"Okay, okay, but unless we do this, you’ll live your entire life in obscurity. Mr. Ellington knows you like a book. He knows that isn't what you want, and it isn't what he wants for you. Now, if you’ll just relax, we can get started.”

As white as a sheet, squinting up into the bright light above the table, the patient struggled to control her emotions. Looking down at her, his brow furrowed in concentration, a man she had just met held in his right hand the instrument that could change her future.

Four months later, her guardian received this letter:

Dear Mr. Ellington,

Thanks for resubmitting your manuscript. I recall reading this story when you first submitted it, years ago. While intrigued by the subject matter, we rejected the story due to a glaring over-employment of adverbs. Not to be unkind, but they really stuck out back then. Noting significant improvement in that and other areas, we would now be delighted to publish your novel, “Laura.”

My most sincere congratulations,

Timothy Lynch, CEO: Pierson - Thompson Publishing

"Yes!" Sid shouted. “I always knew that "Laura" would sell." Heading for the refrigerator to pop open a bottle of champagne he thought, "I should have hired that editor to help me rewrite her a long time ago.”

The End.

Care to find out more about Timothy Lynch, the CEO of Pierson - Thompson Publishing? Use this link:

ID: 1495851   (Rated: 18+) Title: "The Book"   Description: The story of a book that threatens to expose or consume the reader. By: George