R.I.P Challenge: This one is from our social media director, and it's a staff favorite. In our fashion, the winner takes the $100, and this one is judged solely by the social media department. 500 word minimum. We can't wait to read these! In this writing challenge, you will be tasked with creating a story in which the old version of yourself is killed off and a new character is introduced. This new character should be a transformation of the old you, representing the growth and change that you have undergone. To begin, you will need to think about what aspects of your old self you would like to leave behind, and what qualities you would like to cultivate in the new version of yourself. Consider what events or experiences led to your transformation, and how you have grown as a result. Next, you will need to develop your new character, giving them a unique appearance, personality, and backstory. As you write, be sure to incorporate elements of your own life and experiences, as well as any symbolism or themes that are important to you. Finally, you will need to craft a story that brings your old self to an end and introduces your new character. This could be a tale of redemption, self-discovery, or personal growth. Whatever direction you choose to take, be sure to make it a compelling and meaningful journey for your readers.

Dialogue Between Me and Myself (as witnessed by I)

Arachne: I can't take this anymore. The angry bile inside me has turned to poison. It kills me slowly, softly; slow-burning torture for all evil I've spawned. My body is shriveled, bone showing through dull greying skin. I can feel each rib; I count them as I run my fingers down my torso, reveling in the sharpness of my body.

Pandora: Feed me…

Arachne: Who is that who speaks to me from beyond and within? (Do I even want to know?)

Pandora: Whether you wish to know I cannot say, but I certainly wish to be known. I am all you've locked away in a dusty box: the good, the bad, and the ugly. You've certainly labeled much of me as ugly.

Arachne: Well, that's because there is much ugliness inside. My dreams all failed, the ones I hailed are the worst of all and my blood has run stale.

Pandora: Could you at least attempt creativity instead of shielding yourself with the cloak of song lyrics? If not, two can play that game: my eyes shine so bright, we must save that light. Let's not hide the truth.

Arachne: I apologize, inspiration comes from life, and there's little of that left in me. Can you not see my falling hair and brittle nails? The bruises, burns, and blisters that cover my hide?

Pandora: Poignant choice of words. Your hide is where you hide. But not from me; I know you, I see you. I know that you cherish and collect the wounds around you. What if I told you there could be a life, a good life, without them? I can't promise you the absence of scratches, or pain, but I can offer a skin that is no hiding place.

Arachne: If I accept your offer anyone will be able to see me. What if I don't want that?

Pandora: Then you'll stay in your hide; barren, bitter, and barely alive.

(silence)

Pandora: Here's a mirror, a match, a blade, and a blindfold. What do you see?

Arachne: In the mirror, I see a monster, in the match, release, in the blade, a weapon, and in the blindfold, an escape.

Pandora: Me; I see in the mirror a goddess, in the match, purification, in the blade, an armor, and in the blindfold, nothing at all.

Arachne: I wish I saw things as you do.

Pandora: Then do.

Arachne: It's not that simple.

Pandora: It is. I am the lava bubbling in your core, the seedling waiting for rainfall to set it free from the confinement of earth. I am your mother, sister, and daughter. Above all: I am you. Please, set me free—feed me.

Arachne: I'm scared.

Pandora: So am I.

Arachne: With this match, I burn my blindfold so that there's no escape. With this blade, I set myself free—the sacrifice of the monster in honor of the goddess.

Pandora: I emerge: light and shadow, flesh and bones. Soft flesh, welcoming like a pillow, designed to be hugged, to be loved.

Arachne: You're beautiful, like a Greek statue.

Pandora: Quite the contrary! I am yielding, indefinite; an altogether unholy animal! For that, I thank you, my love, there is nothing, and no one else, I'd rather be.