About This Story

“55 Fiction” is a writing concept recommended by many prolific writers, including Ray Bradbury, who thought this could help people start writing. These stories include exactly fifty-five words while still having characters and a plot. 55 Fiction stories often include clever twists engaging readers and collections of these stories have been combined to create books.

This inspired me to write eleven “55 Fiction” stories about one character that builds on each other. Each story has its own plot, but combining the pieces creates a larger story that shows how much a person can positively change throughout their life. Congratulations, you’ve already read two “55 Fiction” stories in this introduction. Enjoy!

Christmas Gifts (Age 0)

Michelle was ready to give birth, only having her mother for support. Michelle’s now ex-husband left when he discovered she was pregnant. Giving birth on Christmas Day was surprising, but Michelle’s newborn twins were the best presents of her life. On Christmas, she named her sons Feliz and Navi because they would have no dad.

It Takes Two to Tangle (Age 8)

Navi got his report card back; he earned all As but got terrible scores for responsibility and respectfulness. He constantly misbehaved without a father figure. Today, Feliz was sitting quietly when Navi wrestled him to the ground. But, grounded would now be a fitting description for Navi and it would be for two whole weeks.

A Pair of Nines (Age 9)

Living in Las Vegas with twins was difficult. Once, when the family went to the circus, Navi got lost walking through the casino to the theater. Though, Navi wasn't actually lost. He knew exactly where he was going. Michelle ended up finding Navi at the poker tables, giving gamblers advice based on his mathematical calculations.

Feeling Puzzled (Age 10)

Michelle’s extended family sat around the table, ready to solve a jigsaw puzzle. They each worked on their own section. As the last pieces started to fit, Feliz noticed one piece was missing. As everybody looked for it, Navi mischievously sat back. He knew the chaos wouldn’t end. He hid the piece in his pocket.

One-Sided Conversation (Age 11)

Navi was still being disrespectful, and he was a schoolyard bully. 

“David,” Navi told his classmate, “you’re so slow!”

“That’s mean. You need to be nice!” David said.

“What are you gonna do about it?” Navi asked.

“I’ll tell your dad!” David shouted.

“Oooh … can I come with? I’d love to meet him,” Navi joked. 

Cubes Cubed (Age 12)

The twins invited their class to their birthday party. They ate cake, bowled, and then opened presents.

What would the smartest kid want as a gift?

Three of Navi’s friends had the same answer: a Rubik’s Cube

“I already have this,” Navi said snobbily each time he opened one. 

He was never grateful, just disrespectful.

Now Boarding: Planes and Schools (Age 13)

Michelle was tired of Navi’s disrespect. She decided to send him to Vermont for boarding school. Navi was the smartest kid in his class but had no discipline. On the plane, Navi thought about his previous actions. After one day of discipline training, he was smart enough to know he needed to fix his behavior.

Yes, Ma’am (Age 14)

Michelle waited at the gate to get Navi after nine months of boarding school, hoping to see her son with improved behavior. Suddenly, Navi exited the plane, running to hug his mother.

“How was it?” Michelle asked.

“Good,” Navi politely replied.

“Did you like it?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Will you behave?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

He had changed.

Old School (Age 15)

Navi had started volunteering at a nursing home. He loved playing bingo with the residents but especially enjoyed teaching them about new technology. Today, he taught the elderly how to use email, so they could communicate with their younger family members. Most learned quickly, but one lady asked Navi where she could buy online stamps.

Brothers by Chance, Friends by Choice (Age 16)

Feliz and Navi decided to take a road trip the first summer after getting their licenses. They had finally become best friends after Navi’s behavioral change. They chose to drive to Philadelphia because they wanted to see the city’s historical buildings, but they loved that the “City of Brotherly Love” symbolized their now great relationship.

Ink to Paper (Age 18)

Navi had to decide where he wanted to attend college and what he would study. While considering his options, he remembered that he absolutely loved learning about handwriting techniques used by 18th-century scribes in American History. Therefore, on Decision Day, he officially signed his letter of intent to major in calligraphy at Pen. State University.