This post was written in response to Sacha Black’s weekly prompt for 2017 (52 weeks in 52 words). Join in here!
Sacha will post one prompt a week for 52 weeks, and the challenge is to write a story in just 52 words exactly. The value of conciseness for a writer is invaluable, as Sacha herself reminds us: ‘The art of being concise is nothing if not a muscle flexing ‘write’ bicep curling device’. This weeks’ prompt ‘The distance between,,,’
The distance between words and meaning
Part I: Jill
‘Coffee?’
I cringed. ‘Sorry, busy.’
‘What about a film tomorrow?’
God, he’s slow. ‘Working late.’
‘Let’s drive down to Brighton for the weekend.’
Why doesn’t he get it? ‘My sister’s visiting.’
‘Something wrong?’
At last! ‘No, just busy this week.’
‘Let me know when you’re free.’
Never for you. I smiled. ‘Sure.’
****
Part II: Jack
‘Coffee?’ I offered
‘Sorry, busy.’
Let’s try again. ‘What about a film tomorrow?’
‘Working late.’
She needs a break. ‘Let’s drive down to Brighton for the weekend.’
‘My sister’s visiting.’
Family problems. ‘Something wrong?’
‘No, just busy this week.’
‘Let me know when you’re free.’
She smiled. ‘Sure.’
She’s worth waiting for.
The difference between words and meaning or semantics (linguistic meaning) and pragmatics (contextual meaning) is a favourite subject for many linguists, and let’s face it, they have plenty to investigate!
We actually rarely say exactly what we mean, mainly because social etiquette values politeness over honesty. That means we expect people to understand what we mean, without saying the words we really feel because they would be considered impolite or inappropriate.
Fortunately, there is usually a mutual understanding in a shared culture, but even then, there are some serious misunderstandings, as shown in my two flashes above.
Why is Jack insistent? Why doesn’t Jill want to go out with him? Why doesn’t he get the subtle message?
What if they’re both more honest with their intentions?
Part III: Jack and Jill.
‘You look lovely today,’ said Jack.
‘I’m busy,’ replied Jill.
‘Have dinner with me tonight.’
‘Don’t want to.’
‘Come to Brighton for the weekend.’
‘No way. Not again.’
‘What’s wrong?’
‘It’s over.’
‘Why?’
‘We work together. There’ll be gossip, Mr. Smith.’
‘And if I weren’t your boss?’
‘Fire me and find out.’
****
I could go on, the possibilities are endless, but I think I’ll stop here, for now.
Jack’s intentions are pretty clear, but what about Jill’s? Any guesses on what Jill means by that last line?
Rereading Jane Eyre 
I have this thing about always saying exactly what I think, ESPECIALLY when someone asks how I am – I hate it when people just come out with “yeah fine thanks, you?” because when are we ever really just fine? Awesome entry.
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I know what you mean, Sacha, sometimes it’s maddening when people are too polite to be honest! But on the other hand, Spanish speakers generally speak more bluntly than the English, and while I value honesty, sometimes I really appreciate politeness!
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Manners definitely but a lot of European people are more blunt and I kind of like it 😜😜
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It takes getting used to😅 but it is easier to know what they really mean, most of the time…
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All three are brilliant, Luccia. I can’t believe they are only 52 words each. I’m desperately trying to write a 50-words children’s story for Vivian Kirkfield’s Dr Seuss Day prompt. It’s hard!! The point you make is very clear, and I love the ambiguity of Jill’s last statement. Will it be a relationship, or will she make his life hell? Does he dare find out? Cool!
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I know Its’s a cliché, but, at last in my flash, woman, unlike men tend to be rather complex😂
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