Hello you naughty girls and boys!
This is just something fun I did a while back and I thought you might find it interesting. This isn't an in depth look at word count and what to or not to do, but it is an example of cutting or adding words. I hope you find it interesting.
If you provide feedback, I'd love to hear which version is your favorite.
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Lost Race (501)
"You lose. Oh this is going to be so much fun. Over here."
"Oh come on that doesn't count. You cheated."
"Cheated? How the hell did I cheat? By being better than you?"
"Okay maybe you didn't cheat but I think we need a rematch. Same time tomorrow?"
"Yeah, right! A new race will be a new bet. But before that I'm going to claim my winnings for this race. Come kneel over here by the bench."
Sarah had already climbed on top of the picnic table and was untying the laces of her running shoes while her feet rested on the attached bench. They were just a little ways off of the school track, and in the shade, but someone could still see them.
Gerry slowly fell to his knees in front of her, still in a state of disbelief at having lost a race to a girl. Now while trying to figure out how it had all gone so wrong, he wondered why he had ever made such a stupid bet in the first place. Clearly he wasn't worried about the consequences because he felt certain he would win and he would be the one reaping the rewards. But that isn't what happened. He lost.
Katie had been rather quiet since his defeat except for the near constant giggling. She was another reason why he couldn't back out. Not only did he make a stupid bet but he made it in front of Sarah's friend, and she was a witness. She was a witness to his loss and now she would be a witness to his payment. She was a silent partner but her presence only sealed his doom.
"Well that's the shoes. Now time for the socks."
Gerry had been watching as Sarah untied and removed her running shoes. He knew it was going to happen but he hoped for a miracle to save him. So far, no such luck. Her shoes were still on the bench and they looked sweaty and dirty. Now she was peeling of her socks; socks which were brightly colored except for the dark grey sweat stains.
As the first one came off she nearly slapped him in the face with it. He knew she was just teasing but it was enough for him to get some of the odor trapped within the sock and he pulled back. The second sock followed quickly as Sarah was eager to claim her prize.
"Okay, open your mouth and stick out your tongue."
Gerry scrunched up his face. He could already smell her sweaty feet in front of him. He wanted to cry, but he couldn't allow that, it would only make things worse. He was still waiting for that miracle but as he waited he opened his mouth and stuck out his tongue.