The Mr. Salley I Wish I Knew

I couldn't sleep so I wrote up a short story.
I should state that I am a beginner writer, so I know my writing is not perfect, nor do I expect it to be. This is why I started blogging, I want to enjoy writing while learning from my mistakes. I don't expect everyone to love my work, but please understand I am learning, so be nice.

Well here's my take on writing a short story. Enjoy!



Someone died today.

I did not know him personally; only saw him a few times around town. I never got the chance to get to know him because he always seemed like he was in a hurry. Scurrying off everywhere he went. In fact, I never saw him walk with a smooth pace. Every time I saw him I felt sorry for him. He was socially awkward, had no friends, never smiled at anyone, nor did he ever take a second to look up at the world. He was tall and held a lanky posture. His mustache was thick and curly. I referred to him as Mr. Salley because I did not know his name until today. The headlines all over our town read Marke Ervinge Murdered. Beside the article was a picture of him, a happy picture. He was not smiling in the photo, but his eyes showed one brief moment of happiness.

Mr. Salley was brutally murdered in his own home. The killer is yet to be found. I thought to myself, how could this happen to him, How? Who could do this to him? He never bothered anyone, always kept to himself. Although I did not know him, I cried. Tears poured down my face as I sobbed depressingly.

The following day I attended Mr. Salley's memorial service, about half of the town attended to dedicate an hour of their time to this man they barely knew. One by one people were sharing their thoughts, feelings, and sharing their experiences that they had with Mr. Salley.

"He was an intelligent man, was a chemical engineer I believe, he worked hard everyday, didn't bother a soul" One man said.

Another women stood up and said, "I knew his wife way back when, she was very courteous, always said great things about him, it was devastating to see him lose her, and this happened to him." She sobbed and blew on her nose on the tissue as the next person stood up.

"He was my co-worker, always got his work done, and was always on top of things, it's a shame he had to go so soon in such a horrible way. He truly was a great, intelligent man. I remember when I first started working at the company, he was the only one who saw my struggling and decided to help me, no one else came forward. He didn't say much, but he did what he had to do and let me watch over him. It was his own quiet way of helping me and I thank him for that" A man with a gray suit said.

Many people were crying throughout the memorial, but I just listened and enjoyed the service getting to know the Mr. Salley I never knew.