The Mistake

Penelope packed her bags carefully, knowing that somehow, after boarding the rickshaw, her life would never be the same. And of course, she was right. The journey was nice, a breath of fresh air, very much needed. As she closed her eyes and dozed a bit, snuggled close to the window, she overheard the sound coming from a transistor radio, probably belonging to the driver. She was awoken with the words:

"You will play in the bowling alley, but do NOT allow a strike!"


She smiled and nodded, easily agreeing with the radio host.

Upon arriving at her destination, much fun was had. Very soon upon her arrival, however, actually ridiculously soon, in fact I don't think poor Penelope even had time to unpack her things, or even use the potty before Dexter was suggesting they head off to the bowling alley. Penelope understood, after all, it had been a LONG TIME since either of them went bowling. God have mercy!

Dexter dabbled in dubious and diabolical duties daily, and Penelope got quite an eyeful. She knew that Dexter and her might be better off as buddies. But then the pair became intoxicated, for a few days straight actually, which morphed into a blur, and much fun was had, and many visits to the bowling alley, but no strikes were made. Several were attempted, but Penelope managed to distract each turn in order to prevent a strike. That is, until the very last night of her trip. Dexter became impatient and demanded to know why a strike could not be made. The two were drunk, and began to rationalize together.

The reasons were obvious- this was a PRIVATE bowling alley, and the only people who were allowed to make strikes were the owners. Dexter suggested, why not become owners? Tomorrow?

Yes.

Penelope, under the heavy influence of all kinds of fluttery fuzzy feelings and also tequila, agreed! That was the answer! That would make it OK to make a strike!

And so, the pair went to the Better Business Bureau the next day, and bought the bowling alley. Within minutes, literally, God have mercy, they made a strike.

And another.

And another.

And yet another.



The following day, Penelope was scheduled to return home, and she did, very happy that she had been obedient.

About a week later, she discovered that the diabolical dabblings were not only occasional, but daily, and dark. Her eyes were suddenly opened, and she began to probe. Dexter removed his Scooby Doo mask to reveal

and then

wait


this isn't right, is it?


God have mercy!

Maybe I do need my brain cut into! Removed, perhaps!




..but back to the story. As it turns out, the instructions to not make a strike had nothing to do with buying the alley, as they had assumed. No, it was something more basic. Well, besides the fact that they were not even compatable business partners to begin with, the thing was... well you see, as it turns out...


Well

Ok and then, something else Penelope discovered when she got home, after finding out the diabolical dabblings were daily, but before finding out they were not to be business partners to begin with... in between these discoveries was an entire new discovery: Penelope was carrying watermelon seeds in her luggage. She had no idea. They must have got there while at the bowling alley.

Not long after discovering the seeds,

and then she could not stand at work

and she began to break, and

more discoveries



And now Penelope is left with nothing but a laptop and a voice. Back to square one. Back to the ole drawing board.

She knows she might not be believed, but she knows good and well how she is dealt with. Everything that happens to her is caused by her own hand.

She disobeyed the direct orders. Not so hard orders to obey. In fact she had no intentions of making any strikes to begin with, and in fact, she and Dexter had previously discussed the matter through a carrier pidgeon. It was a non-issue.

But now, it looms large in her life. A simple act of disobedience has snowballed, bringing much added trouble to her already addled

and


She's not sure, but she thinks that this ordeal has effectively robbed her of any future investments in bowling alleys. She knows her mistake and knows the consequences, for just days before she departed on the rickshaw, a friend of hers said, "I have a message for you. For you and Dexter both. You are to OBEY. Obedience will bring life. Disobey, and it will bring death."
She took this warning to heart but she also trusted herself well. She did not even see a threat, or any kind of danger.

Penelope sits isolated once more, pondering the world around her, praying, questioning, dreaming.

She wonders how much death will be a consequence, having already experienced it within. Who will be next? Herself? Dexter, too?

Dexter cannot understand. Penelope is used to it, no man has ever understood her. She celebrates and she suffers alone. She prays now for mercy, and for life. She has always sensed that her steady breakdown is in direct proportion to her obedience. When she disobeys, her body is taken down another notch. Since returning from her trip she has suffered daily.

She has cut off all contact with Dexter and will somehow detach from the business arrangement as soon as she is able. Dexter is not

Not the type to reason with.

Today, Penelope offered both legs, saying, don't stop with the right- take the left as well! But spare me and my life! And his too, don't let him suffer because of me.

She identifies with Jonah when they threw him off the ship. He asked to be thrown off out of consideration for those involved with him.

Penelope is prepared to spend the rest of her days in a humbled state. Whatever it takes. She doesn't want any more opportunities to mess up. In fact she thinks it would be better for her if she had all limbs removed and put in a cardboard box. For her own safety. All she wants to do is make it home in one piece. Just make it home.


Just make it home.