In yesterday's write up Carnival Apocalypse - Back to the Writing Table, I spoke about the inspiration leading to me writing a short story for the first time in quite a while. Motivated by the feedback that I received, I decided to go ahead and post Part 1 of Carnaval ( formerly Carn'i'val but I decided to go for the Dutch and Portuguese spelling ) Apocalypse.
Today, I felt inspired again. A wall of mist that is slowly moving through the valley in front of me brought me back to my writing. I have always felt that life and creativity are closely related. Therefore I make use of whatever real life elements I can find in my creative work. More about that in my next write up.
As mentioned before, I decided to share with you what I wrote yesterday. The first 400 or so words of 'Carnaval Apocalypse'. This morning, I added another half page and then went over yesterday's writing. I hardly changed anything. I like it the way it is.
Without further ado, here's the start of
Carnaval Apocalypse
ONCE UPON A TIME, IN A NOT TOO DISTANT FUTURE...
A street full of people, all of them moving slowly and heavily. Everybody is wearing gas masks, boots, gloves and thick clothing. If you take a closer look, it seems like a nuclear war themed Carnaval. Even the homeless people are wearing an improvised version of protective clothing.
Suddenly, one of them takes of his mask and takes a deep breath of air. Heads are turning and people are gasping inside their masks ( if we could only hear the sound of it ).
What on earth are you doing?
Put on your mask, quickly...
says an agitated, robotic, female voice coming from the somewhat smaller, masked figure next to the guy.
( Apparently it's possible to talk with some kind of device inside the gas mask ).
No worries. I'm just trying to get stronger. I will put my mask back on again in a little bit.
The guy inhales deeply and it's clear from the expression on his face and his smiling eyes that he's enjoying every single second of it.
You're crazy!
continues the figure next to him, with her arms crossed.
The bare faced guy continues smiling and replies:
There's nothing to be scared of. It's a beautiful day. Look at that sky! You know they're just trying to freak us out to sell these costumes, right?
Hahaahahahahaha! You really believe that? You really think it's all a big lie with a commercial motive? Seriously? And even if you were right, it's just not worth taking the risk. Please put your mask back on!
Alright, alright. I didn't know you were that sensitive. From now on I will only unmask when you're not around. Are you happy now?
Just when he's about to put on his mask again, another person at a stone's throw distance, unmasks. She shakes her long curling hair and says with a louder than necessary voice:
I'm tired of this farce! I never liked Carnaval and I can't help but feeling that we're stuck in an eternal version of it. I'm not having any fun!
She then spots the boy without a mask and a smile of understanding makes her face turn pretty.
I'm glad I'm not the only one seeing through this masquerade.
This gesture makes the boy forget about the thing he was about to do. He smiles back at the girl. Two people understanding each other, feeling strenghtened in their unison.
TO BE CONTINUED
P.S. And then I stumbled upon the @steemitboard Carnival challenge. So I thought, what the heck, let's enter this in their contest. I feel it's fitting enough ;>)
This is very nice to read, @vincentnijman :) The pace flows easily and the story unfolds with good imagery ! I enjoyed it very much. I think you managed to convey the dialog well to show us the world these people live in, and I look forward to the continuation, for sure <3
Cheers buddy! Glad you like it :>)
I guess it helps to have experience as a filmmaker. I have always been a visual and imaginative person as well as a talker ( as soon as I start ) so that mixes well, plus I lived in the future for a while.
Um abraco desde Portugal!
Crazy, I was just thinking about doing a gas mask illustration a couple days ago. There's a lot of great imagery here. Can't wait to see where it goes!
Awesome! Feel free to do a gas mask illustration for me ;>)
Every time I see dialogue in italics I have to wonder if they're speaking telepathically XD
Now I wait and see if you go corporate insidiousness, angry violent police force or something else or all of the above :D
Hahaha!
but didn't like it. Then made a quick edit towards the Italics look
"This whole official style" is too much work and so 20th Century ;>)
Time will tell. I don't even know the answer myself but I'm looking forward to finding it out by myself and enjoying the journey
Have a great weekend!
It’s the same number of key presses 🤨
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