Assignment

“I found this assignment impossible to complete,” she told the teacher.

“Why, it was a simple assignment – used the word ‘protagonist’ in a short story,” replied the instructor.

“But I don’t speak that way,” she said. “I’d say, ‘the leader,’ or something like that.”

The instructor smiled, “I know, that’s why the assignment – to move you outside your comfort zone, causing you to rethink how you write.”

She sighed, knowing that her argument was sunk, “Well, is there anyway I can make up the assignment?”

“Sure,” smiled the teacher, “Write me a short story using the word you were assigned.”