Change

by Victor A. Davis

(SHORT STORY, part of The Gingerbread Collection ) I was leaving Atlanta for home one morning and I stopped off for some breakfast. This scene actually played out right next to me at the high counter, and moved me to spin it into a story. As soon as I got home I typed up some notes and some time later I spun it into this short work. To me, it says something about character that I can't quite put into words. For me, communicating a message that "can't quite be put into words" by using images instead is exactly what stories are. Enjoy.

10 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2014

About the author

Victor A. Davis has always loved reading and writing short stories. He is an avid hiker and even when away from the world of laptops and wifi, keeps a pocket paperback and a handwritten journal to keep him company on trail. He is the author of two short story collections, Grains of Sand and The Gingerbread Collection .

Reviews

[Al · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too often I find short stories leave me hanging. I want to know “what happens next” or “I wonder how that worked out for him.” This story, while very short (barely over 2,000 words) didn't do that. There is one question I could ask about what a waitress in the story thought of the protagonist's last actions, but having experienced the story from the protagonist's point-of-view, knowing the answer to that seems like cheating. In fact, knowing the answer would cheapen the impact of the story.

All of the above is purposely vague. Saying any more would spoil the story. What I will say is that this short story packs a punch for so few words with a life lesson about karma and bringing the right attitude to acts of charity.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **

[Victor Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 stars -- Reviewed By Janelle Fila for Readers’ Favorite

Change by Victor A. Davis is a short story taken straight from a real life situation about a young patron in a local diner. The girl is working class and only has a limited amount of money to spend on her meal. The author witnessed a scene like this in real life and wanted to write an imaginary scene describing the thoughts and actions of each of the characters. How would the workers in the diner respond? Would they rally around the girl, digging out their own nickels and dimes so that she can have a large, hearty meal? Or would they write her off and give her poor service, knowing she didn't have the extra money to leave a large tip? The narrator struggles with his own response to this issue, wanting to be a part of the situation in the most tasteful, tactful way possible, without offending the girl or the other workers. But what is the best way to allow the girl as much of her dignity as possible? Those are the questions and answers you will discover when you read Change.

I really enjoyed this piece and think other readers will appreciate the honesty of this story. It read like a real situation and never felt like a story to me. I think a lot of readers have been in this situation, on one side or the other, and will really appreciate the thought and care that the author used to describe all parties, giving them as much honor and dignity as possible while telling an inspiring and thought provoking tale.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow change! This book could really be about anything and everything. In my line of work change is almost everyday. What do you do with change? How does change affect you? Check out this good short story and see what you think this author's idea of change is! * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

[Kathryn Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story. Two I read and for small stories you will not want for more.