Write a story in which the main character is in a strong place of hope and warmth, only to slowly realize a great personal fear thought long-gone is beginning to creep its way back into their life. Maybe a young woman is at the park with her son only to spy her abusive ex-husband watching her from across the pavillion. Perhaps a father is with his family for the holidays, exchanging gifts, only to have the unpaid mortgage in the back of his mind. Maybe an astronaut is finally going into space, only to start crying as the shuttle shakes as the boosters ignite. Draw parallels between hope and fear to show an emotional contrast in your character. Give this exercise fifteen minutes of your time.
Write it up and see what happens.
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