EX: Writer’s Toolbox – Popsicle Sticks

Posted on | June 10, 2009 | No Comments

He swore on his mother’s grave, but then he swore on just about everything. Mark was also a habitual liar. It was no wonder that he had a rap sheet with the Detriot police a mile long. He was constantly in and out of jail for gambling and conning people out of their money. He wasn’t one of the professionals who could lie and get away with it. Invariably something on his face or voice gave him away.

He knew exactly how he fell into being a con. It had come naturally to him. From as little as he can remember himself being, he had lied to everyone he came across — well, everyone except his mother. He remember’s his best friend Bernie saying, “There you go, making up lies again.” Actually, that’s what they all told him. They all knew he lied, he just couldn’t help himself. So he tried to take that ability and parlay it into a job. He didn’t go the legit route of course, into advertising as many people said he’d be perfect for. Instead he wanted to use his skills for purely selfish, individual gain.

Mark also recalls the very last time he told the honest truth. He had scored big on a scam with a local grocery store, so he was flush with funds. He called him mom and invited her to dinner. As he was saying goodnight to her after driving her home, he told her, “I love ya, Ma.” She died not two days later from a heart attack. He had no one else to tell the truth to after that.

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