she said “no”?
Urania cleared her throat. Typist had mindfully swallowed a little white allergy pill this morning, but it was taking its sweet time to kick in. “She said a lot more than ‘no’ actually… and it was a big step because she did it tactfully, without guilt, and now we can share what she learned.”
“The text asked,” Calliope looked at the smudged and smeary glass of Typist’s phone, “… we are holding the event on October 9 and hope you might be willing to help with the invitation design.”
“And with only a few minutes of pause Typist responded, ‘I admire your ability to reach out and ask. 😉 Keith Harrell said, ‘Rejection is a myth. If somebody says no, you haven’t lost anything.’ Then she went on to politely tell her conversant that she’d closed that chapter of her life and was not interested in accepting the role.”
“You know our editor is going to have some grammar advice for us after that last paragraph? We have no idea how to properly punctuate a quote, within a quote, within a quote.” Thalia found this hilarious.
“Typist saved herself a whole lot of grumbling and resentful feelings by refusing a role she didn't want?” asked the Muse of Many Questions. “And her quick response was generous.”
“And… her manner of refusal led to a longer conversation and connection about other things… including sharing a link to Wandering Words with her friend,” said Urania.
“Truth,” said Calliope, “… has the power to change the world.”
This one is for you Karen!
Sometimes I hate myself when I don't have the courage to just say no.
Have you read The Awful Truth about the Sushing Prize by Marco Ocram? (If you haven't, you should. It's a fantastic way to explore a different writing style.)
Here's an excerpt:
“You know what I mean, Como. You should have been busted down to patrolman for what happened on your watch, even if I did trigger it, and yet the Mayor gives you more money. Doesn’t that tell you why I’m surprised by you standing there saying ‘what d’you mean “what have I got?”?’?” Yes! Three separate question marks in a row. Surely a first in literature. If that doesn’t impress the Nobel Prize committee, then my name’s not Marco J Ocram.