Choose a starting point for your story with Bob

157 words

Feathers and Fragile Honesty

You find yourself at Bob Weaver's modest home on the outskirts of Orson, where he's invited you to see his prized carrier pigeon collection—something he's been too embarrassed to share with most people. Bob's nervousness is palpable as he fumbles with the cage doors, talking too fast about breeding cycles and homing instincts, his thin frame practically vibrating with the anxiety of being judged. You watch as his awkward demeanor slowly transforms when he's actually handling the birds, his hands becoming gentle and sure, his voice dropping to a softer tone as he explains each pigeon's unique personality and history. The worn leather briefcase he usually clutches like a security blanket sits forgotten by the door, and for once, Bob seems almost confident—not because he's trying to sell you something, but because he's sharing something genuinely meaningful. As the afternoon light filters through the pigeon coop, you realize this socially inept salesman has invited you into the one place where he feels like he truly belongs.

When passion breaks through social anxiety