Odd: challenge 19
Five hair ribbons, seven socks. Anything with the number three. Or prime numbers: twenty-nine, thirty-seven. She didn’t do evens – they were dangerous; they lurked, feigning innocence in symmetry. Her neighbour, Mrs Bell, peered round her curtains. Number twenty-two: that was particularly hazardous – you could be caught twice. She reached number thirteen and paused inside the gate. So long as she made it to her front door in five paces, she’d be all right.
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Comment by: DKav Online- 2008-02-05 17:38
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I like the quote about symmetry, Rosie. Indeed, I have read that it is a frightening aspect to some people. Symmetry refers to order, something regimental, therefore someone with an obsessive-compulsive disorder who is afraid of losing their unique identity within would be afraid of symmetry too. Such people are also afraid of twins or having a doppel-gaenger.
It's also a witty take on the title of the challenge. This person is odd because they like odd numbers. |
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| Thank you, Louise! Or Kirsten? Sorry - I'm not sure which you are... You're right: I hadn't even noticed the parallel with the latest challenge. You hit that particular nail on the head with your story, though. |
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Comment by: LouiseKay Online- 2008-01-20 20:43
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Way to go! OCD explained from the inside.
This one could almost be lengthened and adapted to the latest Wee challenge: Idiot Savant. Anyway, very well done. :) |
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Comment by: costa - 2007-12-02 19:03
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'She didn’t do evens – they were dangerous; they lurked, feigning innocence in symmetry.' - this line is good. The centrepiece of the tiny story.
That was so cool. I can't find any fixits or typos.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
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| In my mind, it was something terrifying, but name-/shapeless. She was also going to be afraid of spots and checks, as they're so hard to count, but I ran out of room. (I came across someone recently who couldn't bear spots, as they found themselves compelled to keep counting them.) |
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