Uncle Gerald
*Dialogue Doctor Writing Exercise #1*
Marissa wanted nothing more than she wanted that chocolate-covered strawberry. It sat on a pretty purple plate, the chocolate drizzled over the sides. And it taunted Marissa, her face pressed to the glass display case.
“Mom? Can I have–”
“No.”
“But, mom, you didn’t even let me finish.”
“Yes, but I know what you were going to say. And the answer is still no.”
“But–”
“No buts. Come on, we’re going to miss the train.”
Marissa reluctantly peeled herself away from the display case and followed her mother across the platform. There would be no snacks on the train, either. She might just waste away from hunger.
“Uncle Gerald is very excited to see you,” her mother said. “He’s been looking forward to your visit all month.”
“Great.” Marissa didn’t roll her eyes, but it was a close call.
“It will be good for you to be out in the country for a few weeks. Get some fresh air and some sun. You’re looking too pale lately.”
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“We’re Irish, mom, of course I’m pale.”
“Don’t sass.” Marissa bit the inside of her cheek to keep from saying what had popped into her head. Her mother definitely wouldn’t have liked it.
But she didn’t like the idea of spending a few weeks with Uncle Gerald. Even if his house was super big and there was plenty of places to play. His housekeeper smelled funny. And Uncle Gerald was a little weird. Not that she would say any of this to her mother of course.
“Your father and I will miss you, though. While we’re away.”
“Why do you have to go?”
Her mother sighed. “We’ve been through this. Your father’s job needs him to go check on a new branch.”
“But why do you have to go with him?”
Another sigh. And Marissa was absolutely sure she’d just seen her mother roll her eyes.
“I guess I don’t have to go. But I want to go.”
“And why can’t I come with you?”
“Marissa, please. We’ve been through this. It’s not somewhere for children to go. You would be stuck in a hotel room, day and night. It is much better for you to stay with Uncle Gerald.”
Mariassa pouted. “Or I could stay home.”
“Enough. You’re going to Uncle Gerald’s, and that’s the last I’m going to say about it.”
-To Be Continued
