Uncategorized

Word Prompt: Comply | Story Prompt: from the book “The Bear” by Claire Cameron

Write It Out: Instruction Video

“When you have a dream and it feels real it means you might pee the bed. That’s what Momma says. If I am having a bad dream she says I should get up and pee. The bathroom light is always on. But I remember the tent. That is what is blue and very flappy. Flap flap flap. Maybe I am dreaming that too. The most important thing that Momma says I have to remember is not to dream I am going pee before I get to the toilet. It’s not my fault but I have to remember. If I don’t remember and I dream that I am peeing then I really pee but not in the toilet. Then I wet the bed and the sheet that makes a crunchy sound like cereal needs to be hung in the backyard on a string so I can hide behind it like the curtain for a play. Go to the toilet. There is no toilet when we are camping. I don’t need to pee.

And I don’t like the flap flap flap. I turn over and hug Gwen and snuggle into Stick and hope the sounds will go away. Momma screams like a monster is tackling her. That’s why I know it’s a dream so I should keep my eyes shut tight. It is dark behind my eyes. Momma never yells. Mostly not ever. Except sometimes.”

***

To comply. To “act in accordance with a wish or command”.

I’ve always considered myself somewhat easy-going, someone who tries to “go with the flow” and not make too much fuss about things. I guess that means I’m compliant. Sure, I’ve had times of being defiant as well, but I try to not have that as my “go to” way of being.

In these complicated, stressful times I’m trying to follow some simple internal commands: be kind; show respect; listen first; assume the best.

Oh – and here’s a tip: if you’re looking for a book to read on a canoe trip in Algonquin Park, if your imagination is as good as mine, you may want to save “The Bear” for when you return home!

Thoughts? Feel free to share them here.

Leave a Reply