Thursday, July 16, 2009

Theme Thursday - Stage

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Intermission

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Joe couldn't wait to get home.

At the bus station, he passed the time in thought. The sideshow circuit was done for the season, his friends scattered to their winter haunts. He would miss them, and the audience. Oblivious to the people staring at him, or rather at where his legs should have been, he jumped at the sound of the horn from the truck. His family was here.

He bounced around the back of his father's old pickup. The road was rough, the ride was long. But soon they would be at the family's old farm, the place he grew up. It promised to be a long summer.

In the dusty driveway, the cab of the truck emptied. His mother into the house, his father to the barn. His brother stood for a long moment, staring at him. He climbed out of the truck and onto the dirt. His brother walked away. No one said a word.

Inside, his mother tended to chores, and only spoke to inform him that his bed was now located in the attic, for his brother was now the sole occupant of their previously shared bedroom. She said no more, and never looked at him. He left the kitchen.

His bag secured around his shoulders, he made his way to the foot of the stairs. Step after step, hand over hand, he ascended. He wondered if his parents sought to punish him, in their way, by moving his bed to the highest point of the house.

He was different now, though. They didn't know him anymore. His climb up the stairs didn't take any more time for him than it would have for his brother. Soon enough, he was at the top, three flights up. He pushed open the door, saw the dusty, dark room ahead. A bed, a chair, a small lamp. Nothing more.

On his bed, he rifled through his bag. He found the sideshow card, given to those who paid to see him. "Jo-Jo, the Half-Boy" it screamed in bold, block letters. Below this, a picture of him, balanced on one hand, grinning ear-to-ear. The back of the card gave a small, not completely accurate, biography. Putting it aside, he fished out a picture taken during the summer. Everyone was smiling, including himself. All the freaks assembled on the sideshow stage.

Joe couldn't wait to get home.

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Check out what the other Theme Thursday participants came up with this week for "Stage".

And congrats to Nicole for having her theme chosen!

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26 comments:

  1. Brilliant. Title's a bit suspect, though. ;)

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  2. All the world's a stage! And yes, definitely creepy but also shows that your biological family doesn't have to be your only family!

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  3. Writing sure runs in this family having read Nicole's entry before yours. You have a crisp way of putting me in an environment I can totally imagine and buy into while feeling the feelings of the main character. Nice work my friend.

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  4. Great writing on a wonderful theme...Thursday!

    xoxo

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  5. nicely played wings. sideshow freaks are quite the fraternity you know. sucked us right in.

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  6. A slice of a double life! Thank you. -Jayne

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  7. Awesome. Love the title, I think it speaks volumes.

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  8. I want more now. Why was he sideshow material? You're so clever.

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  9. Wings, you've been watching "Freaks", haven't you? Or not. Seek it out....this fits right in or would make an interesting sequel start :)

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  10. You're a strange person. Is there more?

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  11. Interesting! Ia there more to the story?

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  12. WOW! That was incredible. And yes is there more. thanks for stopping by my blog,I'm embarassed with my rantings.

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  13. Very cool, very creepy. It sucked me right in. Happy TT!

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  14. Again creepy, but really really fascinating. :)

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  15. Hi! Wings,
    Now you and Mrsupole, have me on pins
    and needles....I'll be waiting...because you really set the stage with this post!
    Thanks, for sharing!
    DeeDee ;-D
    and by the way, congrat! to Nicole, for having her theme chosen.

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  16. I like your style! Kinda twisty!

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  17. Good grief, that was powerful! You said so much more by leaving so much unsaid. I really enjoyed reading it.

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  18. Very nice twist. Those who accept us become our family.

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  19. AWW! My heart goes out to the little sideshow freak. You have such a creeping creative mind. Love it! You give Stephen King a run for his money!

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  20. Jeff: Thank you, and thanks for the title help.

    Alan: Hah! Thanks.

    Ravyn: Very true indeed!

    Cal: Thanks. Nicole's piece was great, wasn't it?

    Marianna: Thank you!

    Brian: Yes, indeed. Have always fascinated me.

    Jayne: Thank you for stopping by.

    Kate: Had help with the title!

    Baino: Er, there is no more. :)

    subtorp: Have loved "Freaks" for years, great film!

    Willow, Betsy & Dakota: Yeah, no more. Not yet, at least.

    Nicole: Muhahaha!

    Candie & Irenka: Thank you!

    Gabby & Debo: Creepy is good! :)

    DeeDee: Thank you. Nicole chose a great theme!

    Otin: From you sir, that is a compliment!

    Betty: Wow, thank you very much.

    Silver Fox: So very true.

    Liza: Well, I don't think so, but thanks for saying it! hahaha

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  21. WOW! Had to read it twice yesterday and couldn't seem to compose a comment at the time.

    It has haunted me ever since. I finally decided that your story pushed a button for me. As the oldest of a large clan I often feel exactly the same way at family get togethers. So glad I came but counting down till I can go.

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  22. Rita: Thank you very much. I am glad you liked it, and I have to say it amazes me to know I affected you so. Thank you for saying so. :)

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