A Well Told Lie

                                                                             

"Lying in the hospital, he looks a bit like pictures seen of mummified Egyptian princes." This was the outcome of a character named Liam who went on a hiking trip with his girlfriend, Gabriella, in the short story "Bluffing," written by Gail Helgason. While on the hiking trip they encountered a grizzly bear and Liam foolishly ran away when seeing the grizzly and claims that” he [wanted] the bear to come after him instead of [her]." This is a lie. Liam is only concerned about himself.  Gabriella and Liam had talked about signing the lease for their house, but while  hiking, Liam reveals to Gabriella about  “ living in [ his climber friend’s] old van” and heading down south," over the winter. This breaks Gabriella's heart. Liam didn't even consult with her about the trip and seemed to forgotten completely about the lease. Also while they were hiking, Gabriella  tries to teach Liam about the horizon, but it is hard for her because he is not " willing to learn from people who might know more than he does." This proves that Liam is egotistic. Another fact about Liam is that he is a good lair and could have easily fooled Gabriella. They met some guys, while on their trip, who where also going to the lake where Liam and Gaberiella where. Liam told them that they found an elf carcass and " were turning back themselves." Liam is clearly misleading Gabriella and meant only to safe himself from the grizzly.

Worn Out

She is advanced in her years with skin like old parchment paper. She wears makeup to cover-up the wrinkles that show translucent, no matter how hard she tries. Always wearing a ring on a finger or a shimmering necklace because of her love for jewelry. She lives alone, never to interact with anyone. People look at her with contempt and scorn when she is walking down the street, but she is not those things at all. Friends who have known her personally over the years, have seen love, wisdom and generosity, but with the sorrow and pain she went through, those expressions have faded on her face. To relax herself and clear her mind of the past she smokes, as a get away from the pain. Lights a cigarette and watches the smoke dance and swirl into a foggy cloud of white. It reminds her of the days when she was free and alive. She would frolic in a meadow laughing with her siblings, singing with her friends and spent time with her family. She longs for those gleeful moments, yet knowing they wont come back.