Writings By Vinni

In a writing class that I am doing, the prompt we were given was to writing about visiting a small town where it had one rule and the consequences of breaking the rule. This was my story.

Visiting the small town of Constance Brie, I am in awe at such a cute and charming town.  I learned the population is 1,500.  Quite small but big on hospitality and generosity.  Their general store reflected as much when you step inside.  Shelves held items such as local maple syrup, homemade baked treats, newspapers, freshly brewed coffee, and a deli to boot!  In front of the cash register, there were various penny candies for the kids.  Kids had household chores to earn their allowance to spend on these candies. The general store and other store fronts were adorned with seasonal flowers or plants.  Neatly cared for.  People knew each other and they knew of each other’s hardships and happiness.  They supported each other.  One lone police officer patrols the entire town and will respond to any calls.  No hospital but an infirmary where people can go to get treatment for minor ailments.  Sounds like my kind of town to live in myself.  However, there was only one rule that everyone had to abide by.  No technology!  No cellphones, no computers, no tablets.  They had to live without them.  Residents must write their letters in long hand.  They must write out paper checks to pay their bills.  No technology meant no streaming TV or internet.  Their TVs would only get 3 channels by way of the neighboring city.  Through these channels, residents got their news, their weather, and their entertainment shows.  Once a week, they would be treated to a movie on their TV – Saturday Night Special.  Oftentimes, these movies were made for families.  Their stores were a cash only store.  No debit or credit cards.  Some residents kept a running tab in the general store.  They would settle their tab on any given pay day.  Anyone who was caught violating this rule, there was a consequence of spending 24 hours in a holding cell.  Twelve hours if you were a minor.  The amenities you had in the cell was a toilet and sink.  No books to read or letters to write.  You were alone with your thoughts.  Such horror to spend time away from your family and friends in a lonely cell.  One rule.  One rule for a town to abide by in order to keep their peace and harmony in their way of simple living.