Be Our Guest

Hey y'all! Here's something I submitted for an online writing workshop I'm taking and what I'm currently experiencing. Lol. The assignment: a 250 word short story, written as instructions, in the 2nd person (which is a rare thing in fiction).

When being sent off as the advance team, to spy/visit your favorite cousin and his new bride, in the house they just bought, and painted, and furnished, and decorated, one should be the perfect houseguest. You must always be hungry, even if you're not. But don’t seem to like every suggested thing, lest they think you’re just being nice. You must accept the fruity cocktails and extra pillows. And always say you slept well. Don’t mention that you wish they had turned on the AC. You must help out, but not too much, because then you will be reminded that you are the guest. And you must know what you want to do with the day. Shopping? Beach? Movies? Pick one. For God's sake, pick something. But never say it doesn't matter. And compliment the art on the walls. And how the colors blend and flow throughout the house. This will warrant head nods and stories of whose furniture was whose, who picked which color, how they got that desk for just fifty dollars. Smile. And nod. And say that’s fascinating. Don’t talk about your life too much. How you hate your job. Or how you too have just purchased a house and are thinking of painting one wall pink because you live alone and can do that. Do not dwell on your single status and their married status, for it will make everyone uncomfortable. Or note how they are just learning each other’s ways and have not yet mastered the marriage two step. Make a good impression because you know they are trying to do the same.

That's my time y'all! Happy Rum Punch Friday!