Day 267 of 365 Days of Writing Prompts: Write about someone saying “no.”
Erin: My greatest fear in middle school was never finding love, and never finding a life companion. So, fourteen years later when all I could do was say no to my boyfriend I couldn’t comprehend my mindset back then. How was that my world. How was becoming a successful boss not a main priority. Most importantly how was finding a man that supported that endeavor important in my fantasies. The hurt in his eyes was hard, but the regret I would have for giving up on my potential would be way worse.
Shannon: “You’re going to say no. Just like that?” he huffed as he looked to the side.
“I said I was sorry, but what, do you want me fake it? Do you want me to lie to make you feel better? I won’t do that,” I shook my head.
He furrowed his brow as he looked back at me, “You know that’s not what I want.” His lip trembled, “But couldn’t you at least tell me why. I don’t understand why you don’t want this?”
I thought he already knew, but I guess he didn’t see it the way I did. “I love you. I’ll always love you,” I shrugged a shoulder. “But love doesn’t make up for the fact that we’re not ready to work at this. We’re floating through this never knowing when it’s going to fall through and then fall back together again.”
“But doesn’t that mean we are working at it, if we’re together now?”
“It’s a start, but I don’t want to fall anymore. I want to know there are no more breaks, and I don’t know that now. You want a commitment then we’ve got to prove we’re capable of it, otherwise it’s all talk,” I explained, more certain than I’d ever been.
Just say no.
Pelky Sisters 
August had asked Heather if she wanted to go on a picnic to the meadow, and she agreed. She slowly walks out of her room, dressed as normal. She sees August in a plaid shirt and jeans, his hair looking a little different. He’s holding a basket in one hand.
“Where’s everyone else?” Heather asks.
“…Huh?”
“Uhh… you said we were going to a picnic,” Heather says, walking to the kitchen table to peek up the stairs.
“Yeah. Just-” August clears his throat, “Just you and me.”
Heather looks at him, surprised.
“I felt like you’d need a little time away from everything. You said the meadow is quiet and peaceful, so…”
Heather looks at the basket. She sees a few flowers poking out from under the lid.
She shakes her head, “No.”
“…Heather?”
“No, I’m not going…” Heather leans against the table, “You think you can trick me into going on a date with you?”
August mentally back peddles. “No no no, I didn’t- Argh,” he face palms, “I thought you knew. You know… when I asked you.”
Heather shakes her head, staring at the table.
“Heather, I am not trying to trick you. I thought a break would be good.”
“I don’t want to go,” Heather says evenly.
“…Why?” August asks. “I made sandwiches, so nothing’s burnt. We don’t have to go far. If your leg hurts-”
“I’m not going!”
“…Why?” He repeats.
Heather shakes her head, walking away. “I’m not going on a date with you, August.” She walks out onto the porch. August stands there, holding the basket, feeling a little lost.
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