I love a good writing prompt. Every 2 weeks I give myself the challenge to grab a writing prompt online that sparks an idea and try to write a piece of fiction from the prompt in and around 500 words.

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WRITING PROMPT:
Write a story that starts with the line ‘So, what’s the catch?‘

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Anita
Written by Jess Knaus

‘So, what’s the catch?’

Simon looked back, indignant.

‘What do you mean?’

With a new boldness, Anita replied emphatically.

‘There’s always a catch when you offer money, Dad.’

Simon’s blood boiled visibly, a redness rising across his bulging cheeks and sweaty brow. He exploded.

‘Well you know what? I’ve had enough of this. We put a roof over your head and what do we get? Nothing! We get you into the best university, what do we get? Nothing! We give you money to help you, and what do we get? NOTHING!’ He tried to recover his breathing and in his eyes Anita could see he’d not been prepared for his own response. Her father had never been so honest. It was refreshing – she could finally address this polite repression.

‘You just said it yourself Dad, ‘what do we get?’ You “give” in order to get! I never find out what the cost is until I’ve received it and I get side-eye from Mum. Clearly there was unspoken expectation and nothing communicated, but the fact you see your children as a point of transaction is disgusting!’

Simon huffed at the truth.

‘Forget the money then!’ he barked in reply.

Anita was breathing heavily, grateful to get something so deep-seated and long-ingrained off her chest.

‘Fine. This is over Dad.’

Simon stormed out, got in his car and drove away.

Anita breathed out with a huff, her cheeks expanding like a balloon as she paced the length of the living room. Her hands had begun to shake – she shook them more intensely to override the lack of control. Tears were rolling over her eyelids, which she wiped away inside the elbow of her hoodie. Her father needed to hear the honesty, but it felt like such a betrayal, especially of her own flesh and blood.

Later that afternoon, once she’d regained some calm, she was making a cup of tea when she heard a knock at her door. She took a breath and wandered over to answer.

She opened up the front door to see the concerned look of her brother, Andrew.

‘Hey bug,’ he said with a warm, knowing look.

She instantly welled up with tears again, falling into his arms for the embrace she’d needed for 31 years.

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