Here’s the second winning story from Steve Stewart’s creative writing class.
Hearts
By Aubree Holmes and Ray Alston
Rose put down the two of clubs. Joe and Ben both congratulated her, talking over the other to be heard. “That’s my girl Rose!” Ben exclaimed. “She’s a natural!” interrupted Joe. Rose blushed faintly. She glanced around her new home. They were playing Hearts in the common room. Lunch had just finished and the food had been mediocre. The common room was full of plastic flowers that fit right in with the staff’s cheerful smiles and artificial kindness. A tall, lanky boy played the old, out of tune piano in the corner. Ben grumbled, played a Jack of Spades, and bragged that he used to be an opera singer. He tried to rasp out some Puccini, only to end with a chorus of coughs. Joe set down a Queen of Hearts and winked at Rose. Rose looked down and shyly examined her heart monitor. The Bald Lady to her left gave her a poke with her cane to signal that it was her turn again.
The game, like everything else, ended quickly. “Sorry boys!” said Rose “Looks like neither of you won this one!” she chuckled at their admiring stares as she stood to leave. After a nurse came and wheeled the Bald Lady away, Joe turned to Ben. “You know she likes me better!” he said, nudging Ben. “Does not!” Ben protested.
