Directions: Write a scene where an “elephant” is sitting in the room, but nobody is willing to discuss it or bring it up. Hint at what the “elephant” is, but do not explicitly mention it
I slowly make my way through the snow to the front door, hoping that night is over soon. I reach a hand out to knock on the door, when I’m thrown backwards in time.
Numbness. That was the only thing I could feel. This night had started out so amazing, how had it ended like this? I sat there on the road, lost in my mind. I kept racking my brain as to what had happened. I was fine, I had everything under control, and I was perfectly fine to drive. Right? I know my body better than anyone, if I wasn’t ok to drive, then I would have never gotten into the car. By this point, the numbness was starting to disappear. Hearing footsteps heading towards me, my head shot up. Through the flashing lights, I could see a man in uniform heading my way. With every step he took, my heart pounded harder and harder in my chest. When there were no more steps to take, the man, no the officer, began to speak. “Sir, have you been drinking tonight?”
Shaking the memory off, I reach my hand out to knock on the door once more. This time, however, my hand is shaking. Will they forgive me? Are they still angry with me? Maybe I should just leave? Before I could walk away, I heard the door open. With my back turned, I could picture her face as she gaped at me, shocked that I had shown up to a family gathering for the first time in years.
“James?” she gasped.
I slowly turn around, smile at her, and say,” Hey, mom. It’s good to see you.”
Both of our eyes fill with tears. Hers, tears of joy, and mine, tears of shame. I hated myself for causing her so much pain.
“Well, don’t just stand there,” she said. “Come on in, the food’s almost ready.”
One look at her smiling face as she waved me inside, and my heart lightened. I was home. As I walk inside the house, I am greeted by the entire family. Similar to my mother, they gape in shock that I showed up. Maybe I will be able to make it through tonight, without judgement. Once the shock wears off, the unspoken anger and judgement begins to roll into their eyes. They peer over at me, as if daring me to make another mistake. Or maybe not.
I hoped that I could make amends with everyone tonight, but it seems as if no one can move past my mistakes. I know I had been irresponsible, and I know that I had hurt them all in unimaginable ways. Despite everything, I still thought they would understand that I was in pain too. I was hurting then, and I am still hurting now. The only difference between then and now, is that I understand now that I have a problem. I understand now that I do not have it under control. I understand now that this is something I have to work on one day at a time, step by step. I understand now that I am not alone. I have worked hard to reach my level of control, but tonight it has been tested. I fear I may lose everything I have worked so hard for. The elephant in the room is suffocating me. Maybe one drink wouldn’t hurt.
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