Scout Gets a Mother
“May I call you Mom?” Scout asks. “My last writer made me an orphan, had me die young.”
“Where did you live in that previous story?”
“On the streets of a smelly, noisy city. Foggy. Rainy. Lonely.”
I hold her for a long time, imagining her previous Dickensian existence. How could any writer treat this adorable child so cruelly?
“Yes, you may call me Mom.” My heart breaks in two. One half grieves that she is just a fictional character; the other rejoices. After all, I hold the pen now.
I write Hero into the scene, licking away our tears.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleWelcome to the “Scout Stories”! I invite you to read all the stories in this series, which I hope will continue indefinitely. The first story in the series is entitled “Scout Appears”. You can find all of the stories by going to the Search screen and typing “Scout”. Happy reading!
In a way this story is a metaphor, because Scout is a creation or child of the author. Interesting concept.
You are so right, Margarida. I thought the interconnectedness of the writer-mother-child concept was irresistible! Many times our story characters do seem like our children, so I thought I’d go all the way with that idea. Plus, in real life, I always did want a daughter.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleWow. I never thought of a writer mistreating his/her characters by giving them dismal lives. Dickens has a lot to answer for, and I probably do as well. I will try to treat my characters with more kindness in the future. I must say, though, that a good tragedy/tear-jerker is hard to resist!
An emotional twist to Scout’s story that reminds us that life is not all sunshine and rainbows. I love how the power of the pen can bring change.
I forgot to add that your picture is definitely a nod to ‘Banksy’ and his red balloon!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you for both of your comments on this story, Linda. I didn’t know who “Banksy” was until I read your comment and looked him up. There is an amazing similarity between his little girl with the red balloon and my Scout love balloon. I think we all relate to these similar themes. I also believe in the power of the pen! Here’s to all of us writers – may we make… Read more »
Oh Julie, it is an emotional part. A teary read.
Yes, I shed a few tears while writing this one. Thank you Lotchie – your comments are always so beautiful and heartfelt!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleYou’re always welcome.
Julie, I love the heart felt connection between the writer and Scout!
Thank you Deborah. Yes, those two were meant to be together.
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