The Country Side

We have another short story, "The Country Side" by Audrey.  It's a story about hurricanes, cat food, and family reunions.  Note how Casey's brought to life through strong characterization of her habits, characteristics, and even her home decor. 

The Country Side

Casey walked outside into the cool, crisp, fall air on a Sunday evening. Her wispy black hair twirled in the wind while walking down her brick pathway towards her Honda Civic. Casey stole a glance at her oak trees with red and orange leaves ready to fall. As for the others that have already fallen, the beautiful leaves scattered Casey's front lawn with a decorative essence. She started driving down Goat St., and took a deep breath in, smelling the fall air.

Casey had never really looked closely at Goat St. The street was unusually long, and is a road that is out in the country side of Wheatville. It was an old, skinny road with wheat fields on both sides. There were farms here and there, and the road went partially through Wheatville to the west.

Casey drove towards the center of the town in which there were small shops. She needed to run a few errands. Her first was a trip to the post office. There was no mail for her, as usual.

Casey moved to Wheatville after college. Casey majored in design in college, and she now owns a small boutique in Wheatville. It's not open on the weekends, so she had the day off. Her parents liked the big city, but Casey decided to move to the country side.

Casey hasn't heard from her parents, and it’s been nine years. She's not worried, though. She knew her parents were alright. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clarke, did not approve of her well beings. Casey's sister, Lucy, was the main star of the show. Lucy loved the city, and could get her parents to do anything. If she were to say, "Go jump off a cliff," to her Mother, Mrs. Clarke indeed would. Casey liked the country side, and that's where she was going to stay.

Casey stopped at the grocery store for dinner and a loaf of wheat bread. Next, she stopped at the pharmacy for her prescription and cat food for her cat, Mr. Whiskers. She stopped at Sewer's Heaven that sold fabric and thread. She picked up brown thread for her blouse with a rip on the shoulder seam, and white thread for her bed sheets.

Casey drove back to her white home by the wheat stalks, and into her home. Her home had the scent like a holiday, every day. It smelled of cookies, candles, and cats. Casey's home was small, and cozy. It had sand colored walls and a brick fire-place in the living room. It was an open-floor plan; the kitchen, living room, and the tiny dining room were all connected. Her bedroom and bathroom were separate.

Casey placed her newly bought items on her counter top and went to gather wood for her fire place. Outside, she found a dime on her driveway and put it in her pocket. Funny, her parent’s favorite cent was a dime. She thought to herself, "Ha, why would I be thinking of such things? They don't even know I exist anymore." This thought got Casey a little emotional. She went inside her home and started a small fire.

Mr. Whiskers weaved through her legs as she organized her groceries. Casey prepared dinner while she watched the local news. "Yes, there is a large storm coming, possibly around the mid- Kansas area. Possibly a storm to not worry about, but folks it is tornado season so please be aware of your surroundings. Now back to the local news with Mary. Mary?" said the man on the television screen. Casey thought about this for a moment, she was near the area he was talking about. But she shrugged it off before she could think any longer.

Casey sat down for dinner and fed Mr. Whiskers. She heard thunder above and rain gently pit-patting her roof. Mr. Whiskers meowed and ran for a corner of her house. "Mr. Whiskers, there is nothing to worry about! We will be absolutely fine, I promise." Casey said with confidence. Another roll of thunder and some small heat lightning flashes from out on the horizon.

Casey heard a car door slam shut in her driveway. Casey was confused, the town only collects taxes once a month on Thursdays.  Slowly, Casey peeked out her curtain of a window and saw an expensive looking car parked in her driveway.

Somebody knocked on her door and said, "Hello? Anybody there?”

Casey opened the door and there was a man, a woman, a young woman who looked to be in her mid- twenties, and another man also in his mid- twenties.

"Um, yes, eh, are you looking for something?" Casey asked the strangers.

The older man hugged her tightly and wheezed out, "We're so glad to see you!" The older woman smiled and so did the other woman and man.

"Err, not to be mean, but who are you?" Casey asked.

"We are your family, Casey! You don't remember us?" asked the woman.

"No, but come in." She motioned inside. The rain was falling harder, and she thought in the distance she heard tornado sirens going off. All in my head, thought Casey, all in my head.