Matt and Luke
A Story Every Day in 2024 Sept 27th 271/366
"Alright, Luke?"
Luke's on edge. Matt can see that he's trying really hard not to be. Luke nods and goes to sit down. Matt's not ready to talk just yet, delaying delving into their shared past. He leaps up.
"Lemme get you a drink. What d'you want?"
Matt doesn't know about Luke's struggles with alcohol, how Luke'd love to have a drink but knows where it will take him. Luke craves oblivion, but it's taken a long time to crawl up out of the abyss. That numbness is tempting but he's all too aware of the toll it takes.
"Just a Coke, thanks," Luke answers and Matt repeats "A Coke," trying to keep his voice neutral, not questioning, because Matt thinks he knows why Luke doesn't drink but doesn't want to ask directly; he also doesn't want confirmation of the answer.
Luke nods again and Matt welcomes the time at the bar. He asks for a couple of bags of crisps too. He needs a distraction, another focus while they talk.
Matt puts down his Coke and gives him the crisps. Luke looks up at him and smiles.
"Still your favourites?" Matt asks, sitting opposite.
"Yes," Luke says, opens them. He's suddenly ravenous and Matt opens his, and they are just two boys again, sitting together, eating, passing the time, the only sounds the background chatter of others and the internal sound of crunching on crispy potato.
The ice isn't broken but a thaw's begun.
"How've you been?" Matt asks, swigging his pint.
"Okay. You know..." Luke tails off, not knowing what to say next. Does Matt know he lives on his own? A lonely life, empty, drab.
"Yeah, I know." Matt stares at his pint.
Then says suddenly, "I thought this was buried. I thought...it was over, you know? So much time has passed..."
Luke nods. They are on the same page.
"I've got a life now, a different life, one without all of that..."
It's Matt's turn to tail off. He looks sharply at Luke.
"Do you know who it is?"
"No."
"You don't think...it couldn't be...I mean, it sounds stupid to say it..."
Luke knows exactly what Matt's thinking.
Could it be Laney?
***
366 words
It all started here:
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271/366
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Comments (21)
I’d quite like a bag of chips right now, or popcorn, even. ‘The ice isn't broken but a thaw's begun.’ I am almost never not won over, the lines are killing me slowly they are too spot on. I Immediately saw the image this line was conjuring, then I got pulled back into the story to feel the discomfort… It’s like I am in the middle looking from Luke to Matt and from Matt to Luke, the tension… both of them dying inside. Then wait… Luke lives alone, and struggles with that same demon that was going to take me down. Luckily I didn’t go as far as some, but when I do walk by them in the store 🍸it calls me, there’s that slight pull but not a strong one. What the… no it can’t be, she was just… but the rag doll, didn’t she… crack…👀😳
Loved all the alcohol commentary! I need to draw up a family and friends TREE for this! Hahah
Holy shit!
As shocking and amazing as it would be, I doubt it's Laney! tantalising writing, chum!
Those poor boys. You captured that awkward silence between old friends who've shared too much so very well.
Laney??? I was thinking it was the other man/ boy, before Laney... but also, we know the daughter has the camera (according to her last POV)..... 😅
It couldn’t be Laney, right? She wouldn’t do that to her parents?
Oh gosh I hope it’s Laney!
Strange that even when things are over they are never over until all the facts are known. Interesting conversation, Rachel.
Very good even not knowing the larger story this excerpt stood well on its own
Oh, wow....now there's a thought! I loved the dialogue in this excerpt!
So much discomfort in this exchange! Such a painful history to navigate in conjunction with their anxiety about the photos! Well done once again, Rachel!
Fantastic portrayal of an awkward, hopeful reunion with a dark context! Every chapter is so compelling :)
Great dialogue, great writing! I especially loved, "The ice isn't broken but a thaw's begun." Powerful and honest. This series is just so great.
Oh! That is not what I was thinking, but it would be good...maybe.
Great dialog and well written!!!
The awkwardness is palpable and realistic ✅.
I want those potato chips. Please tell them to give me some. I wanttttt ittttt 😭😭😭😭😭😭
I'm so in awe of the talent you have in writing, Rachel! And I want you to know how much I do admire you. Excellent dialogue and story-telling.
we are all going to be dissapointed if its NOT Laney at this point.
What an amazing story. How you weave a new and amazing story every day. It is truly an amazing skill. Keep it up, even though I don't need to say it.👍👏