Writer’s Note: As a bonus, here’s a a little side story I wrote up for a writing exercise for flashbacks.
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CHOP!
CHOP!
Isaac wiped the sweat of his forehead as he just finished the current batch of logs.
“Wow! You really outdid yourself. Are you sure you are a paladin? You seem more better suited to be a lumberjack like me.” A voice behind him said.
Isaac turned around to see his employer carrying another armful of logs for Isaac to chop.
Isaac tried his best to ignore the strain on his shoulders. “I’m just carrying out the job request to the best of my ability,” He replied.
The lumberjack sat down the next load of logs next to the stump. “Indeed you are. In all seriousness, thank you for making my job so much easier. The other guys tend to avoid my job request because of how “mundane” they are.”
Isaac rolled his shoulders. “I just need the money.”
The lumberjack eyed Isaac’s clothes. “You sure? You seem better off then most guys I know.”
Isaac shrugged. “It’s better to be safe then sorry.”
The lumberjack nodded in approval. “Suit yourself.”
As the lumberjack leaves to tend to his own work, Isaac sets up the next log.
CHOP!
Harder.
CHOP!
Faster.
CHOP!
The more he pushed himself now, the stronger he’ll get!
CHOP! CHOP! CHOP!
..............
The young Isaac had placed the log neatly on the stump. His father wasted no time to deliver the decisive blow.
CHOP!
The young Isaac brushed off his shirt of stray chips with his stubby hands.
The child had felt the need to complain. “Why do I have to put the logs on the stump for you? Can’t you do that yourself?”
His father, Lance, couldn’t help but chuckle. “Look at you, one load and you are already ready to give up?”
Isaac checked his hands for any stray splinters. “But the logs are heavy. And I could get splinters. Why should I do this when you can do this yourself?”
With a smile on his face, Lance set down his axe and kneeled down in from of Isaac. “Think of it like this. When first played with your toys, where you able to make build towers of wooden blocks like you do now?”
Isaac shook his head. “No.”
“Did it took you time to figure out how to make those tall towers without them falling apart?”
Isaac had nodded his head. “Yes.”
Lance nodded back. “Chopping wood is the same way my son. I wasn’t good at it at first, but the more I did it, the more stronger I got and the more capable I was to do more. This is my workout routine son. Just like your playtime. Do you understand what I’m saying.”
Isaac wasted no time to nod back. “Yes.”
Lance had patted Isaac on the back as he stood back up. “Then by helping me carry those heavy logs, you are helping yourself get stronger so you can build even bigger towers!”
Instead of replying, Isaac went to grab the next log.
Lance couldn’t help but smile back at him.
Once Isaac placed the log on the stump, Lance raised his axe.
CHOP!