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Monday, August 31, 2015

"A Stupid Tale" by Hanna B



We rode our rickety bikes through our town of peasants like warriors, passing the faded, white picket fences with rusty tin cans perched to the side of each one. Some of them were dented and banged up. That might have been our doing, but then again I can’t really remember.  The night was being blanketed across the open sky, but slow enough so that we can have a once around the streets and finish what we originally came out to do, before it was time to go back to our wonderful families, our wonderful houses, and wonderful lives.
This evening, the boys and I were on a quest, a quest filled with dangerous outcomes, yet a quest of meaning. There was no damsel, no monsters, no treasure, just the satisfaction the four of us would receive from completing it.
What exactly was our quest you may ask? Well, let’s just say that we were seeking retribution for our dignity that was wrongfully taken from us. We waited long enough so that the wrongdoers had enough time to bask in the satisfaction and let it sink into their blood like venom from a viper. And now, it was time that we ripped it right from their bodies and took it right back.
We pulled up to one of the few yuppie looking houses that were in the neighborhood, the ones that had a nice lawn, fancy foliage, etcetera, etcetera, and positioned ourselves around the front of it. We pulled out our weapons that were concealed with carton from our bags. A dozen shots each. Forty-eight in total. The barrage of yolk only lasted for a minute, and in that minute the windows and door were covered with part of our revenge.
Oh yes, it wasn’t over yet. We took to our bikes and grabbed the garbage cans that were sitting at the curb. The contents were strewn about the street like confetti during a birthday and we were hooting and hollering while we were doing it. And it didn’t stop there. We took it upon ourselves, as our civil duty to recycle the neighbors’ trash onto the front lawn. Whoever said we didn’t care about the environment was clearly mistaken.
The sun was almost long gone and stars were beginning to poke out of the sky like drops of paint. It was about time for the four of us to start heading back. The boys and I separated at the main street and went our separate ways home, and by that time the moon had taken place on its throne in the sky.
My house was only a block more away. Oh sweet asylum. Mom and dad were probably already asleep, which made it easier to sneak in. I turned the corner and as I rode up, patriotic lights flashed upon my house.
Damn.
                  Just ride past.
I never lived here.  
Sadly, luck didn’t fancy the idea of tag teaming with me. I knew I was done for when I heard a ‘That’s him on the bike officer.’

74 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hanna! I love this story! Very well done on the use of detail and imagery referring to the houses and the imaginations that were running through the children's minds, made me feel like I was watching a movie! Your use of figurative language, such as when you compared the "trash like confetti," one; made me chuckle, and two; allowed me to envision the boys' doing that. This makes me feel like you've done something like this before ;).
- Samar Elshekh
Period 3

Braden Bailey said...

Well done, I enjoyed the ending the most wish it went on past there. Now I really want do know what happened. Dang it, great job on this story

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed reading this piece! Opening it and telling it without giving background as to why these kids or teenagers are doing what they are doing for their revenge created a very interesting story to read. It makes you want to know what happened to cause this! You did a wonderful job with the imagery and the sentence structure. The way you combined these with your vocabulary really created a picture that I could envision while reading this piece. I love that you even describe the simple things, such as tin cans and trash filling the streets. You use comparisons throughout your story that also really tell the reader how these characters feel and it really helps create the idea of revenge in your story. Job well done!

-Jordan C.

Unknown said...

This story made my laugh because of the way it reminds me of my childhood of being rebellious and just learning how to have fun. The simile of "stars were beginning to poke out of the sky like drops of paint", was a creative way to describe them and gave the story nice imagery!

-Arianna Serna
Period 3

Anonymous said...

I found this piece extremely entertaining. The explicit imagery really enhanced the plot of the story. I particularly enjoyed the descriptions in the first paragraph. I also really liked the ironic ending, nearly making the story comical. Well done on the execution of the story. The ambiguity of the beginning really allowed for the plot to develop; it also gave the reader almost like an epiphany when they finally realized what was happening.
Sabrina H
Period 2

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed this story! I liked your use of similes and personification to describe the setting as the story progressed. I believe that most teenagers can relate to this story because it demonstrates the “rebellious” teenage years and the feeling of exhilaration as they perform these deeds. Your story made me feel as if I was in a movie due to the descriptive imagery.
I also liked how the main character felt a feeling of happiness as he performed his deed of trashing a neighbor’s house. But then that feeling is suddenly replaced with a moment of panic as he hears the police coming up near his driveway. The shift in tone is significant because it demonstrated how a good feeling can never last too long and will be replaced as soon as reality kicks in.
Keep up the good work!
-Kimberly Chua
Period 2

Hungry Craving said...

Hanna! I really enjoy the underlying humorous tone ever-present in the passage! In a way, it effectively conveys the rather humorous (well, to the audience) "stupid tale" of a (implied) teenager. I also love your word choice. It may be a small thing, but I feel like it really gives the passage some life and your own personal touch. For example, things like "rickety bikes" and "yuppie looking" make all the big difference in a generic story of a teenager's adventure. Finally, great job incorporating fantasy allusions! Contributes to the humor and does the title justice (because its a 'Tale')!

Fun read!
Zoe :D

Unknown said...

I loved this. I want to go round up my friends and call the boys to go vandalize a house now because it seems so liberating. I liked that you called it a " "stupid" tale" and used "etcetera, etcetera" because it gives the story a certain flavor. It reminds me of how I tell stories to my friend and skip the details to get to the juicy part of what Im sharing. The story was really fast paced because I was so interested. You got a lot of smiles out of me especially at "civil duty to recycle the neighbors’ trash onto the front lawn. Whoever said we didn’t care about the environment was clearly mistaken" and "patriotic lights."
This was beautiful.

Jeannette Martinez
Period 2

DanelleAngeline said...

Your attention of detail is astounding, Hanna! It so effectively revealed both the setting and the mood of the story, giving us readers a such a sense of adventure and mirth without any thought of consequence that can be found in our youth. My favorite highlight of the story is undoubtedly captured in the last few words, bringing the readers from their high down to the real world. It's wonderful that you've been able to capture how the oddest actions can bring us so much joy in our adolescence. Wonderful job, Hanna. ^-^

Danelle Angeline Baronia
Period 2

Emmanuel Wade said...

I'm not sure if this was the main idea, what really caught my attention was when you said you're on a quest to seek out the dignity that was once yours. I thought you were describing about going to a "perfect house" like an allusion to society. I understood you wanted to trash that image with recycles because you are a kind person who loves the earth but still hate how society has warped our minds into thinking that you have to be this specific way to be accepted or beautiful. Not sure if this is what you meant or if it was just simply you trashed some random house then got arrested but in the end society always gets ya..

Unknown said...

Loved seeing all the figurative language and how it added to the tone of the tale. Thanks to the imagery used in the story, it was easy to clearly envision the boys in my mind as if it was a film. Your diction and syntax made for an enjoyable read.
-Darian Henry
Period 2

Unknown said...

This reminds me of the times I would meet someone that didn't like me and I didn't like in return because of the way they acted towards me, and in order to keep myself from doing something stupid, I would plan out the sweetest form of revenge in my head and go over all possible outcomes. Every outcome that I came across managed to calm me down because the thought of getting in trouble over someone that isn't even worth it was always far less satisfying than the possible satisfaction of embarrassing them.

-Mia Bernal

Anonymous said...

I feel like your short story really flowed. I was impressed. The story line led me to become curious at some points, which made my experience of reading your work a pleasure rather than a burden. You did a really good job!

Dominique Washington
Period 2

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh I love this piece. Your use of imagery and other literary devices made it one hundred times better. I love the part where you related a house to a mental asylum, I agree with you 100%. Amazing piece, great job!

-Emily French
Period 5

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed this story! I liked the way you started it off! Where the reader wasn't exactly sure what was going on making you curious and wanting to read more! And i really enjoyed the synonyms you came up with how they are original. I cant tell you how many times I've read the same synonyms over and over again! Its great to here a change!

Karina Blocker
Period 4

T'erah Spencer said...

Your story was really cute and funny in my opinion. I love how it starts, making it seem as though it was another day of bike riding, but then the actual story sets in. The message is also very distinct and clear, but overall just a really great job.

audriana said...

Lots of imagery I felt like I were on those bikes and in the story myself lol. Keep writing your stories they're amazing keep up the good work.

Jazmine Hernandez said...

I really enjoyed the beginning of the story. You were mysterious and then slowly eased your way to tell us what was happening. Overall great job on the story!

Danielle Gonzales said...

Hanna ! You did something that is hard to do in a story....you made me laugh! Not in a bad way either but i felt like i was brought back to a time where i did things like this with my brothers (obviously not anything like vandalism but sneaking out to do stupid childish things like so is right up my alley.) There is something very magical about your writing as well and i found myself smiling the whole way through. You have an eye for adding imagery where imagery is needed and it just shows how amazing of a writer you are.

Michelle Sanchez said...

I thought this piece was very well put together. With just the very first line you had me hooked already. Your choice of diction and attention to detail allowed me to create a clear picture of this! I loved the imagery and the humor presented in this story. I also very much liked how this was told in an indirect way, yet everyone understands exactly what its about. Not only that but it is a cliffhanger. I want a part 2 ! Well Done!!!

-M.S. P.5

Unknown said...

Wow! The title of "A Stupid Tale" pulled me in because I knew it would be a fun, youthful story that would make me laugh. I enjoyed your piece because it reminded me of the thrill of breaking the rules, while also making me think of the unpleasant moment of getting caught in the action. It also reminded me of a fun 80's movie, and I say that because you used the word "yuppie". This is an excellent piece that flooded my brain with my favorite John Hughes movie! Love! Love! Love! Thank you for sharing Hanna, and please keep writing!

justin flores said...

You put this story together very well. It was humorous and it sent a message of rebellion. The imagery presented here was amazing. This is a cliff hanger!! Creating a sequel would be awesome to do.
-Justin Flores Period 4

Deven Kiphen said...

I really enjoyed reading this as I believe that it relates to everyone in some way. Whether it be the adventurous and curious intent, or the mischievous, troublemaking side of these boys, we've all had our moments in time where we can relate to some part of this story. That's why I like this story so much, because it includes everyone into its audience and gives everyone something that is relevant to them in some way :D

Unknown said...

Your story was really well written I also loved all the analogies that you used i n the story. Your story was so descriptive that i saw it playing in my head like a movie instead of reading it like a story. This is such a great story thanks for writing and sharing.
Johnny De La Cruz
Period 1

Anonymous said...

I liked the idea behind the story because it started at what seemed to be a real weapons like guns instead of eggs so it turned into a small plot twist for me as a read. It very relatable in terms of the emotions one feels and the consequences one faces when getting revenge, overall it was nice to read and fun to figure out what the analogies stood for as you discovered more of the plot. nice job!

Samantha Quintanilla
period 2

Anonymous said...

this is a good story I really liked the line "we were seeking retribution for our dignity that was wrongfully taken from us. " it sends a rebellious message and its pretty funny.
-Eric Edwards

Anonymous said...

Hannah! You did any amazing job with your story. I loved how you tricked your audience into thinking that the weapons were real but in fact, were just eggs. Your attention to detail and imagery was outstanding. Good Job!

Emily Gonzalez
period 2

Anonymous said...

I think you did a great job with the story. I like how you made the story seem like you were using weapons when you were really using eggs. I also like how in the ending the character got caught for doing a crime when going home. Great job!

JC Bagro
Period 3

Unknown said...

Very funny and original story. The second I saw the word yolk I started picturing that scene in my head. I loved how you hyped the quest to seem like it would be some outstanding thing with all the amazing details, but no, you tricked me, and I appreciated it. Thank you for writing a great story. Keep writing!

Alexis Carmona said...

Hanna! This piece is super descriptive. Your use of figurative language, such as, "let it sink into their blood like venom from a viper," really allowed me to visualize your entire story. I didn't expect the ending so nice touch! You're great!
- Alexis Carmona
Period 5

Unknown said...

"There was no damsel, no monsters, no treasure, just the satisfaction the four of us would receive from completing it."

Hanna!!! This was so wonderfully written and well described. I honestly loved every word of it. The first person perspective made it feel like I was actually included in on the mischief. However, even though the characters are teenagers, it gave me a sense of nostalgia while you described the narrator's adventures and quests. The imagery of the white picket fences, the nice lawns, and everything else made it feel more like a cherished memory than a fictional piece. I appreciate the way you choose to describe the eggs, the stars, and the police sirens because it helped me gain a clearer image of what the narrator was seeing on their journey. Overall, you did an excellent job with this piece!!

Fiona Cheung
Period 3

Anonymous said...

I loved how the diction made this whole quest seemed fantastical and honorable despite it being about destroying the perfection of the house. You had wonderfully entertaining descriptors and i really enjoyed this piece.

Megan Zimmermann
Period 5

Anonymous said...

The diction and syntax of your story made the the story seem as if it was innocent kids doing nothing harmful which was really great in the structure of the story. Also your plot twist really made the read more enjoyable!
-Noah Andrus
Period 5

Adam Burgos said...

I enjoyed the diction used in this story, seemingly making a trivial revenge story into a quest for regaining honor. The use of imagery was extremely helpful, as I could picture myself with the boys, pulling off this mischievous prank. While it appears very humorous, it also explains humans in nature. We act quickly in rage or stupidity, and we do not consider the consequences until the action was carried out. Although the boys are able to egg the house, they were still caught and got in trouble. This was a very enjoyable story :)
-Adam Burgos, Period 2.

Anonymous said...

Very well written. Takes make to those days of being a kid getting in to all types of trouble. The diction and imagery easily puts you in the scene of little boys trying to prank and get away with it. Very humorous and the plot twist at the end makes it all the better. Overall very enjoyable. Nice work Hanna!

Allyson Bol
Period 3

Anonymous said...

I'm really pleased with this story. It sorta gives you that feeling of ' oh accomplishment'. imagery was very good. overall good story.

Alejandro Martinez period 1

Anonymous said...

The first thing that I noticed was your diction. It helped me to be able to imagine actually being a part of the prank. Which is not that easy to do. You easily captivated your audience's attention with the title as well. Since people want to know why someone would be so bold as to make a title as blunt as this. It honestly made the story even more enjoyable. Even though the boys got caught it makes you think if the prank was worth the consequence.
-Kayla Weathers

Unknown said...

This story was etrememly entertaining! it made me wanting more. It's ironic how the title is "A Stupid Story" yet the story didnt appear stupid all. I think this story captures the idea or freedom and adventure that everyone at some point in their lives dread to obtain. Not man of us can do that because society comes in way but this story is another great exmple of how people can live their adventires through literature.
-Jessica Perez, Period 3

Unknown said...

This story was pretty cute, and I really enjoyed the humor of this. I feel you captured what its like to be young and having fun getting into trouble. It even made me want to go ride my bike and go on a quest with m friends. You truly capture your audience also by the title, in fact thats what lead me to read it and believe me it exceeded my expectation. Well done!

-Alexa Ayala
Period 2

Anonymous said...

I really liked this story, especially how at the end you made it seem that the main character was safe and then he gets caught by the police. I wish that it continued from there. I'm really interested in what happens next. Anyway, great job on the story.

Michael Retana
Period 1

Anonymous said...

This is an excellent story. I especially loved how everyone brouhgt thier weapons, I thought you guys were going to shoot the house. But instead it was just alittle prankl. You left me on a super cliff hanger. Do you go to jail or do tell the cops who else was envoled in the "crime"?
Evanne Turner
-Period 1

Jewls said...

This was a very interesting story to read and i was very intrigued by the description you put into this. I love how i was able to picture the story as if i were there myself! The detail was amazing and had me off the edge of my seat wanting to read more of it. You are an excellent writer and i do hope you carry on with this amazing gift and write more. i would love to hear more from you and your fascinating stories!

Unknown said...

I love the idea of remembering childhood memories and this short story brought back so many feelings of nostalgia. I loves the imagery used in the first paragraph and the vivid images it brought tot mind. The ending was well throughout and made for an appropriate closer to a excellent story. Thanks for bringing back great memories of the years before.
-Elise Burgos Per.2

Unknown said...

I love the idea of remembering childhood memories and this short story brought back so many feelings of nostalgia. I loves the imagery used in the first paragraph and the vivid images it brought tot mind. The ending was well throughout and made for an appropriate closer to a excellent story. Thanks for bringing back great memories of the years before.
-Elise Burgos Per.2

Unknown said...

I love the idea of remembering childhood memories and this short story brought back so many feelings of nostalgia. I loves the imagery used in the first paragraph and the vivid images it brought tot mind. The ending was well throughout and made for an appropriate closer to a excellent story. Thanks for bringing back great memories of the years before.
-Elise Burgos Per.2

Jewls said...

~Julianna Alvarado

Unknown said...

Ugh! I thoroughly enjoyed this! It was so cute and sums up so much of our own melancholy adolescence. Thank you for writing this piece it genuinely made me smile and laugh. I see much of myself in this. Great Job!

Unknown said...

i believe the boys were wrong for destroying peoples front yards with their own garbage just because they wanted to get revenge so that people could think they didn't care about the environment was totally wrong in my opinion when you do something bad it always finds its way back which one of the boys got in trouble.

Alexis Medina
-Period 4

Unknown said...

I really enjoyed your story because its dangerous and different i love how the kids were just reckless and ready to do more.I felt like I was there watching the whole thing that's how good your imagery was.The ending kinda got me because i thought they were going to get away with it.
~Zya Woody
Period 4

Unknown said...

This piece perfectly portrays the life of youths especially in our country. We love to have fun and get into trouble when we are younger and at this age these adolescence think their revenge is the most important thing in the world. I found the character very entertaining with all of the antics he pulled. Great work!

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Just as us youths are, being mischievous and going against the common established law taints us with the addictive drug we all enjoy, thrill.
Little do we realize that retribution is right around the corner if we feel too free. I enjoyed the story very much Hannah. It really paints the picture of how we like to live our lives.

Vanessa Alfaro said...

I loved this story! It has so much imagery, for example when you described the "rusty tin cans" and the "patriotic lights." Not only could I clearly visualize what you were explaining but I felt like it was so real and I could hear everything that must have been going on at the same time. It really shows some of the mindset of todays adolescent minds. This piece is very relatable and humorous, I really enjoyed it!

Vanessa Alfaro
Period 2

Unknown said...

Just as us youths are, being mischievous and going against the common established law taints us with the addictive drug we all enjoy, thrill.
Little do we realize that retribution is right around the corner if we feel too free. I enjoyed the story very much Hannah. It really paints the picture of how we like to live our lives.

Caitlyn Ryan said...

I like all the figurative language and it reminds me of the perfect childhood like in all the movies. Riding bikes around the neighborhood, having fun! The story has a great story line!

Rodrick Hill said...

It was a great, and well developed story. It was easy to follow and the word choice was superb, especially when you replaced the work eggs with 'weapons'! When the word weapons was brought up I thought of swords, or maybe guns but when you said 48 count I was like what the heck?? And from there I knew they were eggs. Overall, I thought the story was very enjoyable to read and it made me laugh. Good job!

Unknown said...

Great job on the story! I enjoyed all the details you added which made the scene pop out and alive. It gave a thrilling and dangerous feel, which most teenagers love to have so it allowed me to relate to this piece. As for the ending, you should've kept going on the story. I would love to find out the rest (:
-Noelle M
period 2

Unknown said...

Hanna! You did a great job on this story. It was really well written and I love how descriptive you were. It is cute, short, and straight to the point I really enjoyed reading it! keep up the good work!

Christian Zaldivar said...

You did an incredible job of painting a scene for the reader! The first paragraph where you described the bikes riding through the town seemed to be a memory of something that I had actually done before. Your use of wit and humor also makes this story even more enjoyable to me. The description of confetti among the street actually made me chuckle at the image that you put into my head. Great work Hanna!

Unknown said...

Great and well developed story! I loved your descriptions of the night and the events that transpired later on. I laughed a little towards the end and it made we want to know more.

-Alonso, Period 2

Anonymous said...

Great story Hanna! Very well developed and i like how it describes an innocent tale of revenge. I really liked the description of the four friends because it helped me imagine the scene in my head.
Leslie Rocha
Per. 2

Unknown said...

This story really captivated our generations youth and how a lot of us are really looking for something to do just for the thrill of it. The imagery reminds me of bike riding when I was younger. I really enjoyed it, good job
-Michael Dingle P.5

Sean Powers said...

Your story truly made me nervous. And your amazing use of detail and seemingly perfect diction just created this combination that left me craving more details which in turn made me sad since this is only a short story. You should really think about making a novel out of this when you have some free time.

Sean Powers
Per. 3

Unknown said...

I like the rebellious touch you put in the story that made it very compelling and enjoyable. I would kind of like to know what happens after. The writing itself made the story very vivid in my head which was very impressive on your part.

Unknown said...

Adorably written. Had I not watched my brother done similar things and get caught, I would of lived the thrilling rebellious life every teen aspires. Your tone, characters intrinsic monologue, and plot emphasizes your message of this fluorescent adolescence.

Unknown said...

Adorably written. Had I not watched my brother done similar things and get caught, I would of lived the thrilling rebellious life every teen aspires. Your tone, characters intrinsic monologue, and plot emphasizes your message of this fluorescent adolescence.

Unknown said...

I absolutely love the satirical irony of the last sentence. The humor you incorporated into this piece was rightly placed. The way that you developed the plot of this story came off splendid and had smooth transitions so my mind could catch up with what was going on.The descriptions of the actions of the boys gave the reader a sense of excitement for the boys. The many similes you used such as "like drops of paint", were masterfully incorporated into this flash fiction. Overall I loved this.

Jordyn France
Per3
9/11/15
Cogswell

Unknown said...

I absolutely love the satirical irony of the last sentence. The humor you incorporated into this piece was rightly placed. The way that you developed the plot of this story came off splendid and had smooth transitions so my mind could catch up with what was going on.The descriptions of the actions of the boys gave the reader a sense of excitement for the boys. The many similes you used such as "like drops of paint", were masterfully incorporated into this flash fiction. Overall I loved this.

Jordyn France
Per3
9/11/15
Cogswell

Unknown said...

That was a cool story about how bad things come to bad and go to bad again to explain myself I mean in the story it talked about how someone wrong did them so then they went to go and get revenge on them once they got revenge on her way home she sees the lights of a police officer at her front lawn so once she trees to get away the bad comes right back to her really great story I loved it

Unknown said...

You wrote a very well developed short story. I felt like I was reading an actual novel. Your detail and expression of every careless thought through the narrators actions and mental quotations was extremely well used. I also appreciated the use humor, and sarcasm especially in the section, "Whoever said we didn’t care about the environment was clearly mistaken." This was overall a wonderful short stoy and it was so appealing, being that it is so relateable as something everyone wants to do at some point or another, at least without being caught.

Unknown said...

Your story was quite interesting. Without a doubt I am sure this situation has occurred before in life. You demonstrated that things truly do go from bad to worse. That our actions will always have an outcome that may be a blessing or absolute tragedy.
-Christian Ortega
Period 5

Unknown said...

Your story was quite interesting. Without a doubt I am sure this situation has occurred before in life. You demonstrated that things truly do go from bad to worse. That our actions will always have an outcome that may be a blessing or absolute tragedy.
-Christian Ortega
Period 5

try said...

This was so fun to read!! It has a slightly humorous tone and yet it can be seen as a very serious topic. The adjectives really help with imagery and it all ties together amazingly well. Good JOB!!!

Jace Andersen said...

This was a great story. I liked the detail and the use of similes. I actually could picture how this yard looked when the boys were done with it. Nice job.
Jace Andersen
Period 1