Car Fight Scene by Laurel Ferguson
This is a narrative based off a scene I wrote. If it seems a little vague, it’s because - though I had a specific storyline in mind when writing it - it’s meant to be interpretive, so let me know what you think the story is about in the comments!
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Almost a year ago, Aurora had been sitting in the passenger’s seat of Noah’s beat-up Honda when it sputtered to a stop. It was eleven years old, to be fair. Noah had gotten it when he first met Aurora. Since last year, the car had not stopped acting up. Today was not an exception.
“You never think about these things,” Aurora shouted through the front windshield at the chipping silver paint of the popped hood. She leaned her head back on the headrest and looked through the side window at the dripping leaves of the trees lining the road, no doubt grateful for the recent summer shower. Not receiving a response, she stepped out of the car and slammed the door.
Noah was already on his hands and knees on the damp pavement, peering under the car.
“I told you to put the jump starter in the trunk.”
Noah sat back on his heels. “Are you really starting with this right now?”
“It’s true.”
Noah stood up and bent over the hood, fiddling with the engine. “You’re the one who wanted to come out here,” he said calmly.
Aurora scoffed. “Am I?”
“Yes.”
“That’s debatable.”
Noah sat up again and turned to face her. Aurora gave him a challenging stare.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Noah’s voice was tinged with agitation, though he tried to control it.
“Forget it,” Aurora rolled her eyes and began pacing up and down the road.
“Are you serious?”
“How much longer is that going to take?” She gestured to the car and looked back in the direction they had come, squinting into the distance. The street was empty. Noah ignored her question.
“Is this about Ari?”
Aurora swiveled to face him. “Are you really going to bring her into this?” She said sharply.
“Well, you won’t let it go,” Noah jiggled the spark plugs.
“I won’t let it go? You’ve got to be kidding me.” Aurora crossed her arms defensively.
Noah stepped back and put his hands on his hips, giving the hood a once-over. “Start the engine,” he said, pursing his lips.
“What does this have to do with Ari?” Aurora threw her hands in the air and started pacing again.
Noah took a deep breath and watched Aurora, suddenly sounding tired. “She’s the reason we’re here, isn’t she?”
Aurora stopped pacing. Both were still for a moment. Aurora was suddenly aware of the moisture in the air slowly suffocating her.
“Is she?” Aurora asked quietly, unable to disguise her hurt.
Noah shifted. “Start the engine,” he said again, with no feeling in his voice.
“Do it yourself.” Aurora spoke evenly. “I’m walking back.” She glared at him for a moment, then lifted her chin and began walking back in the direction they had come.
“Aurora, come on,” Noah yelled halfheartedly after her. When she didn’t answer, he sighed and got into the driver’s seat. He turned the key in the ignition, but nothing happened.
Now that I know what the actual plot line is, I totally see it... But I was close! I interpreted it as maybe they had a child together who died, and ever since she'd passed they'd had problems in their relationship as her loss was so devastating they ceased to function normally. It was so well written though! I also love how you made it more interpretive so it's more engaging to the reader! This was a super creative approach to this month's blog.
ReplyDeleteI read this as if the car represented Aurora and Noah's relationship problems, as the car had trouble functioning for quite some time, when it broke down they had to face their issues, and then once they did the relationship was over.
ReplyDeleteHere are my thoughts on what your story is about, but be warned, they are quite rambling.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first read this, I debated whether they were teenagers or adults. The car, if it was a used car when Noah bought it, and their behavior seems to suggest that they're teenagers. But, if the car was brand new when he bought it, they would be adults, which is also possible but makes me dislike them a a little for their immaturity as adults in maybe their late 20s (17+11=28).
The first thought that struck me about Ari was that she was an old friend that died, and then her death somehow tore a hole in their relationship. In the story, I imagined the two of them as visiting some place she loved to go to, or maybe even going for a long drive because she loved to do that.
Another question: Are they friends or in a relationship? When I first read this, I assumed they were in a relationship but upon rereading it there aren't any signs/hints that they are, which brings me back to thinking they are friends and Ari used to be the third member of their trio.
It'd be sort of like the 3 musketeers... but 1 died and the other two are trying to figure out how to move on in their own ways. This could be why Noah says "Well, you won’t let it go" and how Noah saying “She’s the reason we’re here, isn’t she?” makes Aurora choke up for a moment.
On another note, this story is terrifically written. I could see the scene unfolding in my head and feel the emotion even though I didn't know the exact circumstances/history causing it. Great job! (Or, in other words... two thumbs up!)
I love how you added this and asked for the reader's interpretations. Very clever!
ReplyDeleteThis was so good! I loved the scene!
ReplyDeleteI believe the story is about a toxic relationship, one where Ari is someone who Noah had cheated on Aurora with, but she still remained his girlfriend because she loves him too much to let him go. This is the end of their relationship, where their relationship is finally falling apart and Aurora realizes how she can no longer forgive him for his actions. It reminds me of the end of relationship, where nothing is fun and everything is an argument.