STORY EXCERPT

Here's a fraction of a story/nonfiction piece on which I'm working. I was inspired during my time in a jury duty waiting room. This is only the beginning of it:

The jury duty assembly room—not an unfriendly place, but filled with friends, it is not. People sit alone, next to and surrounded by others that sit by themselves. There are plenty involved in their book, magazine, Cosmo couples quiz, or a newspaper—graciously sold down at the front entrance by a man who seems to have had his kiosk stolen right out from under him.

Of course, right next to the readers are the people left to their thoughts…and their first thought is, I should’ve brought something to read. They glance over to their better-prepared neighbor, trying to catch a glimpse of an interesting plot or a bit of intriguing dialogue. They do it, sneakily, trying not to let the reader in on the fact that they’re borrowing the printed word. Yet, ultimately they give up, unable to keep up with their minute glances as the primary reader turns each page.

Those not fond of their thoughts and tired of looking at the un-primered ceiling strike up a conversation with another text-less person with the nervous conversing skills of a person on a plane post-9/11. “Is this your first time?” “This is only my second since ___________.” “Do you think there’s a chance?” “So, um, what do you do?” After short exchanges there’s awkward silence. A gentle sigh follows, a turn of the head, eyes scanning the neighbor’s book. The reader clears his/her throat and turns the page.

At the tables there are incomplete 550-1,000 piece jigsaw puzzles. Those sitting at the table consider continuing it. They stare at it, at the loose individual pieces, and back to the box, figuring out where some would go. But in the end they choose not to.

A soft, friendly voice is heard. People look up for its source, and a split second later their brain clicks; the voice comes from a speaker, which is connected with cords to a microphone, held by a calm lady in the front of the room. She proceeds to list off numerous answers to all possible questions before any are asked. Years of experience with complainers and assholes is required for her job. Maybe this is a step above airline ticket agent, but a step below DMV clerk, since patience is still apparent in this woman’s demeanor.

After basically saying and giving all reasons why nobody will be getting out of jury duty, she says if there are any concerns or problems, people can bring them up to the window. Surprisingly, only one person stands up and walks over. He wears a grey suit, designer tie, and carries a briefcase. He walks with a determined step. Others watch and then look at each other with assuring eyes that say, “He’ll be back.”

That's all for now. Feel free to leave a comment. And if you're feeling extra courteous, leave your name if you're posting anonymously.