The story spark was Tests. The writing prompt I took was “Your job/career depends on you passing a test. There is only one question on it.”
The Test
“Are you there? Testing 1,2,3. Please respond.”
“Who’s there?” I asked, waking up from a sleepless stupor.
“Ah, Good. You are there.”
“Yes, I am here,” I said. “Now, who in blazes are you, and what are you doing in my bedroom, and for that matter, where are you? I don’t see anyone.”
“It was you who summoned me,” whoever it was said. “Don’t you remember last night, before retiring to bed? You specifically said, Is this how my life should be? If I were to take a test on my life, I surely would fail.”
“I do remember saying that,” was my comment, “however, I was making a disgruntled outburst on the state of the world and my life. It was only a rant, not an actual request. Besides, there is no such thing as a test on one’s life.”
“That’s not how it works,” replied the voice, “once suggested, your wish is recorded and then acted upon. You must now be ready to take a test on your life.”
“This is silly. Is this some joke being played by you-know-who? Has Apple or Google now created the next stage in AI? The Cloud obviously knows everything about me; there’s no need for a test. Just give me the grade.”
“I’m sorry. That is not how this works. First, this is not a product of the technology age; for the time being, none of your electronic voices can assist you. Secondly, I am very well-versed in your friend’s activities regarding your compulsion to continue acting on his ideas. Frankly, I agree with your parents and your writing group that you need to stop following him. I am not new technology, I am as old as old can be. I reside inside you. Meaning that you have all the answers, but without giving them out loud correctly, they are just hidden memories. If you want to pass the test of life, then you must uncover them from your knowledge base. If you can, you will pass the test. If you can’t, then you fail.”
I felt foolish saying this out loud, but I said, “Begin.”
“That’s more like it,” was what I heard. “There is only one question for this test. “What is it in life that makes you happy? Please be as detailed as you can.”
I thought about it for a while and then responded.
“I’m happy when I’m with my loved ones, my wife, my child, those friends both online and off that are good to me and recognize me for who I am.
I’m happy when I share stories, either in writing or by telling, and see or hear those positive responses, both verbal and visual, that show that I’m being heard, and receive some recognition for my efforts and thoughts.
I’m happy when I experience the beauty of others and of other places in the world.
I’m happy when I get lost in a good book and can become part of the adventure I am reading about.
I’m happy when I can help others or guide them so that they can help themselves.
I’m happy when I’m with caring, compassionate, and empathetic people.
I guess I’m also happy that I’m not perfect, which allows me to learn and grow to become a better person.
I’m sure there’s more, but is that enough?”
The answer came quickly. “I’m sure when you think about all the troubles there are in this world, and in your life, you could come up with a list too. I guess that that list would not be as long as the one you just started when you answered my one question. It’s clear in your writing and the stories you choose that with all the things on your troubles list, you are not willing to give up on solving them.”
With a sigh, I said, “You’re right; deep down, I remain optimistic that positive change can be achieved.”
“Then you’ve passed your test. Continue to live being the person that you are, and continue to follow your dreams and hopes for a better life. My task is done.”
The voice was gone, but the thoughts remained. What may have started as a sleepless stupor became a clearer direction. It was good to be alive.
