Question

In "Half a Day," the narrator goes on a kind of journey. Write a short (200-300 words) narrative that centers around a journey, through either time-

or space. Be sure to:
●
• Engage and orient the reader by setting out a problem, situation, or observation, establishing one or multiple point(s) of view, and introducing a
narrator and/or characters; create a smooth progression of experiences or events.
• Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, pacing, description, reflection, and multiple plot lines, to develop experiences, events, and/or
characters.
• Use a variety of techniques to sequence events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole.
• Use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting, and/or
characters.
• Provide a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is experiencéd, observed, or resolved over the course of the narrative.
This will be challenging because of the length! You have to create a journey with a limited amount of words. The journey
doesn't have to be one of great length, but a journey nonetheless.

Answer 1

As soon as I stepped out of the house, I could feel the chill of the winter morning. It was still dark, and the streets were empty. I was on a journey to catch the early morning train, which would take me to my hometown. I had not visited my family in a while, and I missed them dearly.

The train station was a few miles away, and I started walking briskly towards it. I had to cross a small forest, and the trees were casting eerie shadows in the darkness. The only sound was of my footsteps crunching on the gravel path. The more I walked, the darker it became, and the more the shadows seemed to elongate.

As I exited the forest, I could see the first light of dawn breaking on the horizon. I quickened my pace, and soon reached the train station. The station was bustling with people, all trying to catch the early train.

I found my seat, settled in, and watched the landscape outside my window. As the train chugged along, I saw the countryside transform before my eyes. The barren winter trees gave way to green meadows, and the sun rose higher in the sky.

As the train approached my destination, I could feel my excitement mounting. I knew I would soon be reunited with my family. As I stepped off the train, I saw my parents waiting for me at the platform. We hugged and laughed, and I knew that this journey was worth it. I was home.