Compose a short story with the phrase, “Walking up the hill towards home, I knew I had made the right choice.” as either the first or last sentence of

Compose a short story with the phrase, “Walking up the hill towards home, I knew I had made the right

choice.” as either the first or last sentence of your composition.

Task

NextPrevious Copyright © 2007 June Grandwells. This story is protected by UK Copyright Service registration.

A LIFE OF

AN ACTRESS


Some might say I was too young. Yes, indeed I was. But no one should have preconceptions about someone who may have made a wrong decision. I had been insensible of the peril I was in. No sooner had our eyes met, than I felt I had fallen in love with Paul.

Around the time I met him, I was distraught by my inauspicious launch into a theatrical career, since I had not won the public approval that I desperately wanted. Whereas other people my age had already made successes of themselves, I was beginning to doubt my whole being even though I had never questioned my professional competence. It happened at one of my occasional performances as an extra in a crowd to earn money. There, at a dark and dusty underground theatre‑restaurant, Paul found me and asked me out for tea.

Scarcely had I started going out with him, when I felt that even my future was beginning to look so exciting and promising. After a year that had flown, I received a surprising invitation to an audition for the title role of a play, one of the highlights of the season in New York. Such a big chance! Being absolutely delirious, I instantly decided to accept it. This role was for me!


Although I knew he was an ardent supporter of my performance, I was at first hesitant to tell Paul this incredible news as he was looking very serious that night. Then, he spoke, “I have to go to Vienna. It is going to be for quite a long time.” Staring at me, he continued, “I love you Sophie, I truly love you. Perhaps more than you think. I want you to come to Vienna with me.” I responded to his proposal, promising I would come after the audition.

There was a moment of silence. Then, he said firmly, “If you are going to New York, you shouldn’t think of coming back to me, as this would be an admission that you were not going to succeed. I think you will go anyway even if I beg you not to.” He knew me very well and did not need to say more. My avidity for acting is incompatible with the sanctity of marriage. Although I still felt for Paul, I decided that leaving him was the best thing for both of us.

I had worked terribly hard, so when one of the judges told me that he had been very impressed by my performance, I was confident that I would get the part. However, the result was a disaster. Failure! Why then, had that judge congratulated me? Besides, how could I go back to Paul? Never!! My life was a failure. Despite knowing he had a great affinity for me, I forced myself to stay in New York for eight years.


And then, he came! He came to New York. “I am back in my village now,” he smiled at me. “Will you marry me now?” Apart from the summer holiday season when a few Hollywood stars would come to hide away from the media's attention, that typical small American fishing village was congenial to my love of a simple lifestyle. The locals were companionable and hospitable and there would always be someone at our door step with a home made cake or a huge catch of the day. For a while, I was in a state of euphoria.

But as time went by, I could not stop my frustration flooding over me. Never had my aspirations for higher achievement left me, and I became fretfully abusive and aggressive. “I still want to perform!” Blizzards of discontent were howling through our home.

“Yet, he loves me dearly,” I said to myself. Having come back late, Paul was dozing peacefully on a rocking chair. He looked as if he were feeling fulfilled and gratified. “It isn’t your fault, Paul,” I thought. Looking at him, I felt warm drops running down my cheeks. Everything passed as in a flashback and I wished I could have rewound the clock.


There was an unexpected phone call from my former colleague at the theatre‑restaurant. As soon as I had hung up, Paul called me. “Well, Sophie. You have always considered your zealous search for excellence in performance to be fruitless. I wish the world would be fairer to you so that you could earn wider acclaim. But your natural panache has made a great impression on them, hasn't it? Doesn't it suggest you that you were not vanquished? What could be better recognition than being remembered after all these years? They are your family, aren't they? Isn't it the perfect time to return to your irreplaceable home?”

I left the place where I had lived for thirteen years with my venerable former husband. The theatre‑restaurant, having reinvented itself as a traditional theatre, also appeared to have been extended. The new pavement had brought sophistication to the area. Walking up the hill towards home, I knew I had made the right choice.

Previous Copyright © 2007 June Grandwells. This story is protected by UK Copyright Service registration.Antique Frames: www.antiqueframes.eu / Wallpaper: httpwww.wallpaperdirect.co.uk

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Compose a short story with the phrase, “Walking up the hill towards home, I knew I had made the right choice.” as either the first or last sentence of