Have fun finishing this story, based on the opening lines I’ve written below. I’d love to read your inspiration! You can either write it like a story or just describe your ideas for where you’d take the story in the comments.
*****
Harper lifted her phone to her face. “Okay, guys. Roll it again but with a lot more joy.”
My cousin Jaydon and I looked at each other. My sister expected joy after we’d rolled this stupid tire over this dusty road in the blazing heat thirty-seven times?
Jaydon said, “If you want joy, get some of your goofy friends.”
“I can’t use my girl friends.” Harper lowered her phone. “They won’t match the rest of my footage, and my assignment is due tomorrow.” Plastering on a smile, she raised her phone. “Now. Let me see some joy.”
Her phone rang, rescuing Jaydon and me from attempting an emotion that was not only beyond our acting capabilities but might actually be harmful to our health because of the horrible strain it would take to fake it.
“Oh,” said Harper.
Jaydon said, “That wasn’t a happy ‘oh’.”
“Yeah, but it wasn’t an upset ‘oh’ either, and I’ve heard plenty of those. It’s more like a thoughtful ‘oh’.”
“Gotcha. Thanks.” Harper’s smile was still plastered on, and she said in a way too perky voice, “Uh–guys. Change in plans.”
“Oh,” said Jaydon, and this one sounded anything but happy.
*****
You’re so creative! My thought is less of a nail-biter:
Finally. After all these endless miles up and down the foothills of our mountain town, we were finally on the homestretch to breaking this ridiculous record. As reluctant as I had been all along, I couldn’t help but grin at Meg as she got proof of Aaron’s and my effort. She smiled back and I realized Aaron was right – I’m totally crushing on Meg.
The great thing about your idea is that it could be an ending or a beginning. I can see the story developing in either direction.