Story Development WIP Update

The shrill sound of the alarm woke Nolan Fletcher at precisely 7:30AM. It may have been a Sunday, but days should never be wasted. Nolan made a mental checklist as he rose from his bed: shower, teeth, breakfast, reorganize closet, vacuum, and of course, tend to his precious garden.

Sitting at his dining table, Nolan scanned the Sunday Funnies as he slowly munched on his poached eggs and wheat toast. As he gave himself a mental note to cut out the coupon for a discount on Tide, Nolan heard the chime of his doorbell. Opening the front door, Nolan was met with the postman who appeared to be carrying a hefty box. Exchanging a brief "Hello!" Nolan signed for his package and bid the postman a polite goodbye.

The excitement of receiving a gift overwhelmed Nolan with excitement and he tore open the box. Digging through the packing peanuts, he pulled out a card.

Nolan,

  

Happy Birthday little brother! 

I hope this spruces up that garden you're always fussing over.

Nina

A two week belated gift from his sister? Better late than never he supposed; he certainly wasn't one to complain. Rummaging further into the box, Nolan pulled out a gaudy garden gnome. It was without a doubt the most ridiculous thing he'd ever seen. The paint was chipped and the were various cracks cover the little statue. It's the thought that counts he surmised. Staring back at the gnome, Norman contemplated as to whether or not he was actually going to place this....thing in his garden. The odd grin upon the gnomes face gave him the heebie jeebies. Regardless, he was thankful for the gift and found a decent, but not too obvious, spot for the tiny figure.

Later that evening, as he was settling in for the night, Nolan heard some rustling coming from his front yard and a creak in his wooden porch. Praying to high heavens that it was those damn raccoons again, he shoved his feet into his slippers and went to investigate. 

Stepping out onto his porch, he scanned his front yard searching for any signs of a disturbance. Not seeing anything that appeared to be out of place, he turned around to head back inside, but as he turned something did catch his eye. It was the garden gnome, placed neatly on his porch...and not where he thought he'd originally placed it. Too tired to contemplate the oddity at such a late hour, Nolan grabbed the gnome and placed it back in its appropriate place and went back inside.

Rising early the next morning, Nolan made his way outside to water his garden. As he made his way to his perfectly maintained plants, watering can in his hand, the joyful smile fell from his face. His garden....his precious garden was in shambles! The flowers were all plucked, shredded to pieces and sprinkled haphazardly across the lawn. Plants had been yanked from their roots and the soil was smeared everywhere. He couldn't believe it! Who would do such a thing!? This was going to take some serious time and attention to fix. Gazing over his garden once more with a scowl, one small thing stuck out amongst the ruins. The only thing left untouched--the garden gnome. It sat perfectly upright. The overturned plants that had once shadowed the statue, now brought the gnome to be a focal point of the garden. It seemed peculiar, that the gnome was the only thing that was not ruined, but he didn't dwell on that thought as he sadly turned around to go gather his gardening supplies.  

It was nearing sundown and Nolan was exhausted. He wiped the sweat from his brow and placed his gardening tools down on the floor. He still had a long way to go and so many flowers to replant, but Nolan was determined. Too tired to haul everything back in the garage, Nolan left the tools and went inside.

After a quick shower to rid himself of dirt and sweat, Nolan sat at his table, deep in thought about who...or what could've ruined his garden. He was fond his neighbors and had no enemies that he was aware of.

TBC....