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Challenge of the Month XXXV
R.I.P Challenge: This one is from our social media director, and it's a staff favorite. In our fashion, the winner takes the $100, and this one is judged solely by the social media department. 500 word minimum. We can't wait to read these! In this writing challenge, you will be tasked with creating a story in which the old version of yourself is killed off and a new character is introduced. This new character should be a transformation of the old you, representing the growth and change that you have undergone. To begin, you will need to think about what aspects of your old self you would like to leave behind, and what qualities you would like to cultivate in the new version of yourself. Consider what events or experiences led to your transformation, and how you have grown as a result. Next, you will need to develop your new character, giving them a unique appearance, personality, and backstory. As you write, be sure to incorporate elements of your own life and experiences, as well as any symbolism or themes that are important to you. Finally, you will need to craft a story that brings your old self to an end and introduces your new character. This could be a tale of redemption, self-discovery, or personal growth. Whatever direction you choose to take, be sure to make it a compelling and meaningful journey for your readers.

Resting Peacefully

The loud beeps of her alarm woke her from a dead sleep. She quickly puts on the first clothes she finds on her floor. She hates laundry day just as much as the next mom. Five loads and still barely a dent made in the mountain that awaits her. Same routine, feed the kids, take them to school, feed the dogs, snakes, lizards, and the man of the house, forgetting breakfast for herself. Except, today is not the same as every other day. At exactly 7:40 am, it all came crashing down. The kids were safely off to school, but the drive back home had other plans for her. A pickup that was going too fast on the ice slammed into the back of her car, her head hit the steering wheel and lights out.

The beeping sounds of her alarm woke her from a dead sleep. Her eyes shot open, but she couldn't move. Bright lights filled her vision and she finally could make out the beeps, it wasn't her alarm after all, it was her heart monitor. Alive, that was good at least. Panic creeped into her as she tried and failed to figure out what she was doing there. The panic was further fueled as she realized, she didn't even know who she was. Her had shot out from under the blanket and she pressed the red button to call for help.

"Glad to see you're awake miss!" a cheery nurse walked into her sparse hospital room. "What do you need sugar?"

The words got stuck in her throat, but she had to ask the important question, "who am I?"

A look of shock came over the nurse's face. "Your name is Nikita, you were in an accident, you hit your head and it would seem your memory was affected. I will notify the doctor, he said this might happen." The nurse went about taking her vitals and checking all the little machines. "You appear okay otherwise, you will have a bandage on that cut above your eye for a few days, but they tell me we should be able to send you home in the morning, maybe that will help jog your memory even more."

"Thanks, I hope so!" Nikita tried to calm her nerves, she didn't even know if she had a home to go to, let alone who would be waiting for her there, if anyone. "Umm, one last thing, do I have any family that they called?"

"Oh dear, yes you have kids and a husband and they are waiting for you right outside, would you like me to send them in?" the nurse asked nervously.

"Yes please, maybe that will help my memory come back!" She looked eagerly toward the door and waited as the nurse left to retrieve her family, at least she wasn't going home alone. She had always wanted children, thank goodness she had at least done that part of her plan.

Tiny choruses of 'mommy!' greeted her as her three babies rushed in, what cute kids! Sadly she couldn't remember their names. Following them was a large man, a bearded man with red hair, her palms got sweaty, this man must be her husband, lucky girl! "Hello, I'm afraid mommy hit her head, Kiddos. I can't remember things right now, but I hope that being around you guys will help make my hamsters upstairs start running on the wheels again!" Her heart was so full just looking at the little angels. How had she gotten so lucky in life to have them?

"Melissa, David, and Sylvi, lets let mommy get some rest okay, they said we can take her home in the morning. It's almost your bedtime now, give mommy a hug and we will get home and put you monkey's to bed," her husband said to the children. She knew that voice well, she loved it's smooth tenor. The kids listened to him and gave her tight hugs then went to stand by him. He had called the kids by name so she could hear them and jog her memory, what a sweet man he was. "Goodnight, love. I won't kiss you yet because I don't want to push you, it has got to be so scary waking up and not knowing where you are let alone who you are."

Her heart melted and it was like the fog that had settled over her brain began to lift. "Adam, get over here and kiss me goodnight. I insist." Surprise came over his features followed by a giant grin.

"I thought you'd never ask," he replied. It was their special phrasing from when they dated so many years ago. Adam was still grinning as he kissed her deeply then turned to the children, "come on kiddos, we need to go get some sleep. Mommy has been resting peacefully all day, but we've been up worrying."

Nikita said her good bye's and sat in quiet contemplation. She was so bored with her life this morning, same routine day in and day out. The wreck was a blessing in disguise, she woke up to how important she was to these little people and one big one. Sleep was hard to come by for a couple of hours as the memories of her life came washing in. Finally, after what felt like half the night, sleep came. She closed her eyes with thoughts of home, finally, resting peacefully.

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