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Assembly Required

February 11, 2016 6 Comments

Assembly Required

By Tisa Garrison

He can break it, disassemble it, and uproot it.  He can cut it, smash it, and trash it.  He can dismantle it, hide it, and then lose it.

Especially in the afternoon, after naptime, he gets restless, and anything not out-of-sight is at peril.

He’s clumsy, unsteady; he stumbles and falls. He doesn’t know names for stuff.  He gets pissed when you can’t figure out what he’s talking about.

Today, he seldom recognizes anything or anyone. He used to be able to build things, repair equipment, recycle and reuse: cars, boats, appliances, furniture and even houses.

Now ninety—like three again.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bobby Warner says

    February 11, 2016 at 12:20 pm

    I like the technique of using staccato sentences…leading to the deterioration of a life through the accumulation of years. Very effective and touching story.

    Reply
  2. TISA GARRISON says

    February 11, 2016 at 3:46 pm

    Thank you for you feedback. I’ll be taking the “101 Words challenge” in March…I am actively trying out different techniques.

    Reply
  3. carlpapapalmer says

    February 11, 2016 at 5:15 pm

    Comparing 3 to 90 and back again, a great last line, Tisa.
    Induces the thought, “Will this story portray me in 25 years?”

    Reply
    • TISA GARRISON says

      February 13, 2016 at 12:27 am

      You are my inspiration, mentor and guide. Thanks for your invaluable support and feedback.

      Reply
  4. Tom Hadrava says

    February 11, 2016 at 10:52 pm

    I love the structure… and the last line is a real killer:)

    Reply
  5. Jack says

    February 13, 2016 at 8:10 am

    I was distracted by not understanding what this was and thinking that he could be a surprise like a dog. It would have helped to know it was a person; Dad, or something to take away the guardedness I was feeling yet I appreciated your writing skill.

    Reply

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