Living… A Little

Ending 4: A Blue Chevy Malibu Writing Challenge ending

Photo by alex_tok

Today, Laura Simon, gives us a new ending for the Blue Chevy Malibu writing challenge.

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“Live a little?” Mel thought.

 Really? He knew her story. She had lived more than a little. Maybe it was time to slow down, for both of them, she thought.

Mike was just coming out of a messy divorce brought on in part because he couldn't help himself when a pretty girl walked by. He never should have married. It wasn't in him to stick with one person. But now he was saddled with an ex and two young children who would see him on weekends, he hoped. He had moved back home to live in the space over their parents' garage, hoping that the courts would find it sufficient to grant him visitation rights.

His career wasn't much better. Floating from one mechanic shop to another. Always blaming the owner or the manager for his inability to get along with people. Not able to just do what was asked of him. He couldn't just be content. Always had to be right.

Her story wasn't much better, she knew. Never finding a person worth investing in, at least that was the excuse she told herself. A quiet voice occasionally reasoned with her that maybe she was the problem, but she ignored that mostly.

At least her career was solid, right? Yeah, it was boring, but she could afford to live on her own, at least, and that was something.

So, who really was “living a little” she questioned.

It didn’t really matter though, the car was slowing down. Mel looked up and saw smoke coming from the hood.

 “Uh, Mike…” she said.

 “Yeah, I see it.” He swore something under his breath.

Mike steered the car to the shoulder and put the blinker on. Then popped the hood and hopped out.

 At least he’s a mechanic, Mel thought.

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The Beginning | Escape | The Final Frontier | Cabin in the Woods | Living… A Little

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Author’s Note

• This is a fourth ending for Blue Chevy Malibu.

• Credits for photo used in the video I created (with the help of Canva) to introduce this post on Instagram and other social media, go to alex_tok on Getty.

Upcoming…

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