Reading Time: < 1 minute
WELCOME TO TUESDAY FLASH FICTION AT GOBBLERS/MASTICADORES!
Introverts often live in the shadows of their thoughts, keeping to themselves, satisfied with their solitude.
A young woman has a name that sparkles but can she live up to its luster?
What happens when she tries to step out of her comfort zone?
Read ahead and click the blue link to enjoy the story. Cheers!
Ruby was an introverted, young woman who lacked the luster that came with her name. Maybe her extroverted mother had overestimated the sparkle that would surround her only daughter and considered naming the girl after a vibrant colored gem. But Ruby lacked all the fire and passion that characterized the red stone. She was not […]
Great story, Terveen. Love the way you characterize Ruby by what she isn’t. Not even creamy white, like a pearl. Thanks for sharing. I often think that ‘the wrong name’ can be quite a burden. What if your name is flamboyant, all out there, and you really hate it? Or perhaps you are a sparkling rainbow explosion at heart, but your parents gave you the most boring name. In all fairness, it’s difficult to name a creature you couldn’t possibly know yet. We all get our names the day we are born. What chance did our parents have to get it right? Not even we, ourselves, had any great idea at that point about what kind of person we would grow to become.
Living up to the meaning or representation of one’s name is a task that probably has no beginning or end. Our basic natures often define who we are and what we are capable of becoming. Sometimes trying too hard to be something that we’re not is a defeated purpose. Let’s hope that efforts are invested in the right direction and not in destroying and ruining. Thank you so much, Britta, for this wonderful perspective. 🙂
Ruby is obviously more complex than what she is letting up. People are this way. Not that they want to deliberately hide anything, but rather they are multi-faceted and multilayered. For example, some of the scientists and engineers I know of are not really introvert or extrovert. They can be both. In certain situations, they are so silent, while in others they can be talking nonstop. Yes, very true. Humans can have surprising traits. Sometimes a changing life situation, a changing political landscape, or the progress of time and the advancement of the age will bring out something that is hidden.
This is so true, Haoyan. Humans are multilayered creatures. I consider myself an introvert and often keep to myself. But certain people or situations will bring out a completely different side to me. I think we often search for comfort of heart and mind and that drives us to be a certain way. But defying one’s basic nature to be something one is not can often be detrimental. Let’s hope one can always find a positive balance. Thank you so much! 🙂
Isn’t this what most of us are, living a dual life, the one for real and the other hidden from the world in our own minds mostly. Awesome read 👍 👌
I like how you’ve said this, Deepak. “Hidden from the world in our own minds mostly”. That’s the absolute truth. Let’s hope that peace of mind is the ultimate result. Thank you so much. 🙂
It made me thing if the introverts are more prone to binge drinking…
That’s an interesting angle. I really hope that alcohol doesn’t become a means to being more outgoing. That’s terrible…
It appear to calm(numb) the nerve…
Yann Martel describes a carnivorous island in his famous novel “Life of Pi.”. What the island gives during the day, it takes away at night.
The shots of vodka are like the carnivorous island for the introvert woman. It gives her the courage to express herself. But as the night progresses, it takes back the superpowers away from her, leaving her distressed.
Powerful writing, Terveen. I feel sad for the main character.
Thanks for the awesome post
Thanks so much, Mayank, for checking this out. I like the analogy you’ve stated. It does give that feel of give and take. I think many believe that they can feel happier and be more likeable with some sort of intoxicant. A temporary kick that often leaves one down in the dumps later. Acceptance and a positive approach can do wonders if one has some patience and sense. Haha! Take care. 🙂
Ah, the Strange Case of Intro-Ruby and Mrs. Hurl, only her transformative serum is found at the bottom of a vodka shot glass.
All things considered, it could have been a lot worse. Stirring up conversations, declaring hidden desires/inhibitions, standing on tabletops and inviting strangers to dance sounds like a hen night sans the other hens.
She’ll be all right. Vomit comes out in the wash (and it’s also a great deterrent against unwanted advances) and you can always replace lost dignity with a top up card from the local pound shop.
Go ahead and paint the town red, Rubes!
As always, a very witty and wise comment. You have the knack for mixing the two so well. Ruby has to understand that she is the quiet gal that she is and getting drunk and messing up her dress won’t get her very far besides the drycleaner perhaps. And if that bill isn’t affordable, then it’s good money just gone waste.
Lesson – Keep the drama limited to Netflix. Haha!
Thanks so much, Rhyan! 🙂
A sad, and wonderfully written story, Terveen.
Thank you so much, Jeff. I really appreciate it.