Self-Review – Quarrel

Let’s Look at Quarrel

Right about now, Quarrel seems quaint, like a vestige of a time, not so long ago, when the differences between right and left in the United States were more like arguments than existential issues.

Oh, how innocent we all were then.

I wrote this story during the third quarter of 2021.

Background

The original prompt word was just the word that became the title. Of course, I needed a good Q word. And as Q words go, this prompt word is a rather good one.

And while this story is still more of a fragment than anything else, it’s a far more complete fragment than works such as Verity and Quartz.

Why Quarrel with the Plot?

Almost ripped from the headlines, the plot is essentially of a MAGA true believer screaming at his Congresswoman and her aide. I took a lot of the plot from the very real news story of Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan being threatened by MAGA protesters.

Characters

The characters are Lucy, Rep Mansfield, and a nameless hunter.

Memorable Quarrel Quotes

“We elected you!” The man wore hunting clothes, including an orange vest and a red trucker’s cap that just said MAGA.

“Yes, you did. And my boss appreciates it very much.” Lucy pulled her mask more fully around her face.

“But you still ain’t gonna change nothing. And Rep Mansfield can speak for herself, I bet.”

Rep Mansfield adjusted her own mask, which perfectly matched her gray power suit. “Of course I can. Mr…?”

“Never mind that,” snapped the hunter. “First you locked us down. Then ya closed the schools. Then you made everyone wear masks like we was in I-rack or something. And now you wanna let my boss make me get a shot? And my kids gotta get one to go back to school?”

Genre and Overall Mood

The genre is contemporary fiction. The mood is tense and disturbing. Much the way real life was at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Rating for Quarrel

The story has a K+ rating. While the language is exceedingly tame, the implications are that Rep Mansfield and Lucy and perhaps everyone in the building are in very real danger.

Takeaways

The real life incident with Governor Whitmer was disturbing enough. And then came January 6th, which made that almost seem pedestrian. And now, we have a lot more going on.

But if anyone thinks what Lucy does at the end is unrealistic, you have got another think coming.

Want More of my Short Stories and Novellas?

If this story resonates with you, then I hope you will check out some of my other blog posts about my shorter works.

And finally, for a complete list of my shorter works, please be sure to check out the Hub Page—Short Stories.