A Short Story: Into the Woods

Author’s Note: I lucked into a box of writer’s prompts recently and, as a creative exercise, wanted to use this space to share the output from some of my writing sessions. Here’s how it works: I draw two cards from the box and write whatever comes to mind — it’s that simple. The cards drawn for this, the third story in the series, were: “reluctant participant” and “woods.” Below is my interpretation of that combination. I’d love to see yours!

“Marco! Peter and Jason are here!” It took some practice, but Marco’s mother always found just the right decibel to catch his ear. Peter and Jason, his best friends, were the only ones who could get him to take a break from his LEGO kingdom — a collection of miniature castles and villages, tiny knights and royalty. Marco had a vivid imagination and his miniature empires came alive in his mind as he built them. His latest battles in miniature would have to wait; Peter and Jason were waiting downstairs and there was no telling what adventures were in store for them outside.

“Coming!” He stood abruptly, scattering loose LEGOs around the room. Peter and Jason waited just inside the front door with a chocolate chip cookie in each hand.

“Hey, Marco.”

“Hey.”

“Thanks for the cookies, Mrs. P.” Jason tipped one cookie toward Marco’s mom and she smiled back at…