Wednesday has come around again. This is a good thing since it allows us a momentary rest from the work week in anticipation of finishing out on Friday. I was asked the other day about inspiration for stories which show up on Fiction Favorites on story Wednesday. The question was really, “how do you think up the stories you write?” My answer was a little confusing I’m sure , but it is the truth. My stories come to me when I am doing something other than writing. Since I write these stories the same week they are published, the idea usually comes to me in kind of a flash. I’ll give you an example. This week’s story came to me while I was riding my bike on the beach. I have taken to listening to music while I ride since the guys I used to ride with have all fallen out of the routine. Well anyway, my mix includes a number of different kinds of music from all decades. I was riding against a 24 knot wind and “It don’t matter to me,” by Bread started to play. There is one line in the song that caught my attention story wise. The line, “There will always be an empty room waiting for you,” started the sequence to the story.

So here it is. The title is Empty Room. I hope you like it. Oh yeah, I put the song up so you might listen.

Empty Room by John W. Howell ©2014

“Be careful Frank. I don’t want you to trip on this loose board.”

“Yeah I see it. Thanks.”

“So what we have here is a two bedroom one bath bungalow. Shall we go inside?”

“I like the door with that half-moon glass piece up on top there.”

“This house was built-in the mid-fifties and is now a classic. The style is called Mid Century and it’s all the rage.”

“I grew up in a house like this.”

“Yeah me too. Come this way Frank and look at this spacious living room. There are hardwood floors and even a fireplace.”

“I sure would enjoy that in the winter.”

“Back here is the dining room. You know you could turn these two rooms into one big one for entertaining. I don’t think there is any load bearing walls between.”

“I don’t do much entertaining.”

“Well it was just an idea. Come see the kitchen.”

“Wow this looks like it has been updated.”

“Good eye Frank. You are right. The countertops are granite and all the appliances have been traded out for stainless.”

“I see there is gas for cooking.”

“Yup and you have a microwave right over here. Don’t you love how light this kitchen is?”

“I could really be happy in this kitchen.”

“Let’s go look at the bedrooms and bath. Follow me. Here is the master bedroom. You have to admit it is a good size.”

“It sure is. Is that a walk-in closet?”

“You’re very observant Frank. Yes as rare as they were back in the fifties, this house has a walk-in closet. I have a surprise for you as well. This house is listed as a one bathroom, but in fact there is one connected to this room right through that door. I don’t know why they said there is only one. Go have a look.”

“Wow there is everything in here. A commode and a shower as well. This is very nice.”

“Okay follow me to the other bedroom and let’s take a look at the bathroom on the way.”

“I see there is a full tub and two sinks.”

“Yeah you might have to redo the pink and grey tile, since that was the style back then.”

“I sort of like it.”

“How about this bedroom?”

“Gee it’s kind of small. I don’t think it will serve very well as a bedroom. Maybe an office.”

“Okay then. An office it is.”

“But I can’t have a house with only one bedroom.”

“This has two Frank.”

“No I don’t think so.”

“You have family Frank?”

“No. No I don’t.”

“Then why be concerned about this room as a bedroom.”

“Well it’s a long story─”

“Frank I’m your real estate agent. If there is something about this room I need to know so I can help.”

“I don’t think you can help.”

“Try me.”

“I told someone I would always have an empty room for them.”

“This room would work.”

“You don’t know the person. It would have to be perfect. I have to make sure everything is perfect before they come back. They left in the first place because I couldn’t keep everything perfect. This room won’t work.”