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Creative Writing: Story of Carter
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Carter, a teenager boy, was always at loggerheads with his father and step-mother. The conflict was because Carter was a lazy kid who could not do anything by himself. After school, Carter would go home and play video games for the rest of the day without even bothering to help his parents. His Step-mother was very concerned since Carter was already 18 years old which meant he would soon have to move out and start his life. His step-mother wanted to prepare him for the world, but Carter was adamant especially due to the support he got from his father. There were regular disagreements between Carter’s father and step-mother regarding Carter’s behavior with his father saying that teenagers should be left to do what they want. The step-mother knew that this was a misguided notion since Carter was already a young adult who should start working and saving for his future and more so, Carter setting a bad example to his toddler brother.
“Carter, I am worried about your future, you need to start applying for a job so you can start saving up for a car, gas, insurance, and anything else you might need or want. You are old enough to take on more responsibility. You should be doing more than going to school and then coming home to sit on your X-box all night.” Carter’s step-mother could be heard saying, “It would also be nice if you could pitch in around here a bit. Your Dad and I are always trying to make the best home for you and your little brother.

It wouldn’t hurt you to do the dishes, take out the trash or even put away your clean clothes when we wash them.” She would retort.
With opposition from her husband and rigidness of her step-son, Carter’s mother had to look for a way to train her step-son about the values of hard work. She decided to visit Pinterest where she hoped to find solutions or ideas that helped solve similar cases. She found one interesting scenario whereby parents were encouraged to stick prizes to their household schedules and whoever completed the schedule would receive the compensation. Carter’s step-mom saw this as a great opportunity to shape Carter to become a responsible teenager. She shares this idea with his husband, but Carter’s father is still adamant to accept it. Finally, he gives in after realizing that Carter’s behavior could be a bad influence on their toddler child.
This collaboration by both parents against Carter’s lazy and irresponsible behavior leaves Carter between a rock and a hard stone. He knows that to get money from his parents, Carter will have to help with some house chores. “Please help me with $20 to go to the movies with my friends,” Carter asks his father one day. “You know what you have to do to get money from me,” his father responds. “But I will come and do the chores when I get back because I am already late,” Carter defends himself. At this point his step-mother intercepts “If you knew you would get late for movies, you would have started doing your tasks early instead of playing video games. You are not getting any free penny from your father or me.” Carter tries to beg his father, but he goes along with his wife’s decision. “I am 18 years now. I can do whatever I want with my life. I am already an adult”, Carter retorts, “Not when living in this house, you will do as we ask you as long as you are living in this house. In the meantime, I suggest you start earning and saving money if you want to move out”, his father responds. At this point, it dawns on Carter that whenever he wants money from his parents, he has to earn it. He dashes out contemplating on when and how to move out.
In the next few months, Carter learns the art of working for his money albeit the hard way, and he also starts doing his laundry. With time he even offers to do some tasks even when there is no monetary compensation. After about four months, Carter starts to actively look for a part-time job and luckily, he gets a job as a restaurant attendant. This keeps him busy, and he soon starts earning his salary which makes his parents very proud. In his mind, Carter thinks of how to approach his parents with the idea of moving out. Will they go for it?
One evening at the dinner table, Carter decides to spill the beans, “I am moving out next month,” Carter says. “But you have only been working for two months, how will you support yourself,” his step-mother intercepts. “I know my son has everything figured out. After all, he is a responsible young adult now, let him follow his heart,” his father cuts in. “Thanks for understanding, father and thanks mom for teaching me responsibility. I thought you hated me, but now I see you did it out of love. Now I can do my stuff with my money which gives me a very good feeling”, Carter says. In the next few days, Carter starts looking for a favorable apartment, and he finds one, not far from his home. He finally moves out the following months and starts living his life.
*********************************THE END************************************

References
Harper, G., & Kroll, J. (Eds.). (2008). Creative writing studies: Practice, research and pedagogy. Multilingual Matters.