In this series, I will take the Word of the Day from Dictionary.com and craft a short piece of creative writing around it. My goal is to embrace the meaning of the word in some unique way, all the while trying out different styles, rhythms and characterizations. It is as much an exercise in creativity as it is an exploration of grammar. Enjoy!
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By Alex Seise
The paper smoked for a brief period, no more than two seconds, and its wrinkly whiteness tarnished into rich sepia, then dark smoky brown. Before an eyelid had the time to blink closed and wrench itself back open, the entire note was embraced in sizzling flames that sent its secrets up in gray smoke.
Natalie stepped away from the small pile of hot, vaporizing ash and breathed deeply. The ceremonial burning was an emotional catharsis, one that left her feeling unburdened and, yet, emotionally lost. After so many years of toil and strife, the sudden cool plunge into happiness blanched her spirit. But as the wind carried off the black remnants of paper, scattering the memories like a thousand minuscule dandelion seeds, her soul regained its color and her body its fortitude.
She was stronger than she knew.
