Silent Courage

Adam Shaffer

Silent Courage

Of all the possible mugging victims in the entire city, it had to be a mime. The one thing I am deathly afraid of. I can’t believe it. The mugger has a knife pressed against the white face paint that goes down the mime’s neck. Neither of them notice me, standing awkwardly on the sidewalk making a choice I thought only people in movies had to make; should I just walk away, or do what’s right? But to save something like a mime is an entirely different story. After sweating it out for a couple seconds, I decided that I would hate myself if I let anyone, even a mime, be treated like that. I stormed down the dark alley, trying desperately not to look at the menacing striped sweater, and focusing on the knife wielding thug helped. He turned to me, and soon the knife was focused on my throat instead.
“Look pal, bein’ a hero is just plain stupid. Now you can give me your wallet, and I’ll add it to my collection.” he took a step forward a cruel smile spreading across his face; he thought that I was scared of him. In that moment, I completely forgot about the mime, the alley, and the safety of the street behind me; all I could focus on was him and his knife. One well-aimed kick later, and the mugger had dropped his knife, and was curled into a fetal position. I glanced up, and my heart stopped. The mime had stepped forward, and began to say,
“Hey, I’m not supposed to talk, but I just-” he stopped short, noticing that I had sprinted down the alleyway screaming.

Artist: Adam Shaffer
School: North Allegheny

Notes:

Comments

Megan Foukes from: North Allegheny - posted: October 19, 2012
Adam this was very entertaining and I enjoyed reading this. It was really short but it really stood out and painted an interesting picture. I enjoyed how you made the mime talk at the end.

Zach Murphy from: North Allegheny - posted: October 19, 2012

Loved the ending! A lot of great stuff going on here with rescuing a mime while the person has a fear of it.

Katie Guarnaccia from: North Allegheny - posted: October 19, 2012
This was a great piece! Very clever and funny, made me laugh. I love how the "hero" was afraid of the mime.

Zach Murphy from: North Allegheny - posted: October 19, 2012
Loved the idea of a guy afraid of mimes saving one. The play on words and this idea is awesome!

Ian Peck from: North Allegheny - posted: October 19, 2012
You have a good sense of humour here, and effectiveirony as well.

Robbie Stephens from: North Allegheny - posted: October 19, 2012
This was a very interesing take on the given subject. t left me with a sence of action and adventure. It confused me at times, but the end left me with a very big question. What happened.

Julia Lotz from: North Allegheny - posted: October 19, 2012
This is great! It's suspensful, dramatic, and funny at the same time!

Rebecca Robles from: North Allegheny - posted: October 19, 2012
hahaha! This is classic! It is a very well written piece. It really kept the reader's attention. I love how the man is scared of the mime and not the guy with the knife. It adds irony and humor to your story. Great job!