Question

Write a composition (350 – 400 words)
Write an original short story that begins with the words: “In the background I could hear an awful commotion, men’s voices raised and women screaming”.

Answer 1

Hint: Your story should have a plot, some characters, a setting (where it is happening), a conflict, and an end (conflict resolution).

Complete answer:

In the background I could hear an awful commotion, men’s voices raised and women screaming. I was not sure of what was happening down there. I had just finished my work and wanted to sleep the tiredness off. But the lobby of the inn downstairs had been very distracting since the moment I went to bed. After a while when I could not take it anymore I decided to go down and inquire for myself what was happening. As I moved downstairs I could still hear the voices although they were muffled now.
As I entered the lobby I encountered a very strange scene. There was the landlady - Mariya of the inn looking white as a ghost, few policemen, a truck, and a crowd of unknown strangers. As I neared them the landlady saw me and started heading my way.
Oh! Dear sir, sorry for the trouble. She said.
By the sincerity in her voice, I knew she felt sorry to disturb me as I have asked her to try and keep the commotion down at all times. Knowing that she felt bad I said – it is ok Mariya, would you tell me what is happening?
Oh, yes – yes sir, the thing is that the guy in the downstairs room was found unconscious and with a lot of antiques that were stolen from the local museum. The police are investigating.
Is that so? And what was all that screaming about that I heard earlier? I asked.
Well sir some of the other tenants were not happy with the incident. She stuttered as she spoke.
Is there anything that I can help you with Mariya? I asked as my duty dictated.
Ohh, no sir absolutely not. You should go back and rest. She replied
Ok, but if there is anything that you need do tell me...
Sure sir I will. She replied, cutting me off mid-sentence.
I went back and fell asleep as the commotion had settled. But the unaware and sleepyhead of mine did not know that it would have a shock when I woke up. After hours of sleep I suddenly woke up to a knocking at my door. It took me a few seconds to realize what happened. I went ahead and opened the door. It was one of the police officers I saw earlier.
Myself Officer Andy. He said that as he extended his hand.
I took the hand and found myself in a powerful handshake.
How can I help you, officer? I asked
There is no help needed. We are just informing the tenants that Mariya has been taken into custody for stealing and harming a man.
Saying that the officer left leaving me in utter shock of the events that happened.

Note: Try to be creative with your characters, do not extend the plot, provided the information that is necessary.