The Old Bench

The old oak bench in Willow Creek Park had seen a century of seasons, but never quite a day like this. Elias, a man whose coat seemed to carry the weight of many winters, settled onto it with a sigh that stirred the dust motes in the afternoon sun. He watched the children play, their laughter a sharp contrast to the quiet ache in his chest. Today was the day he would tell his daughter, Lily, about the decision. The one that would uproot their lives, just as his own had been uprooted so many years ago.

Across the park, on a brightly painted swing set, Lily soared towards the sky, her red scarf trailing behind her like a beacon of boundless energy. She loved this park, every creak of the swings, every rustle of the leaves. Her favorite bench, the old oak one, was where she often shared secrets with her imaginary friends. Lately, though, her dad had been quieter, his eyes holding a distant sadness she couldn't quite name. She knew something was different, something big, and a knot of worry tightened in her stomach with each swing upwards.

Elias pulled a worn photograph from his pocket—a younger version of himself, beaming beside a woman with Lily's bright eyes. His late wife, Clara. This park, this bench, had been their place. It was where they’d dreamt of a future, a future that now felt like a fragile, broken promise. The new job, miles away, was a necessity. It was a chance at a fresh start, a way to provide. But the thought of leaving this place, leaving these memories, felt like a betrayal.

Lily, sensing a shift in the air, jumped off the swing, her feet thudding softly on the wood chips. She walked towards the old oak bench, her small hand instinctively reaching for her dad’s. She saw the photograph, the familiar face of her mom, and the sadness that always seemed to linger around her dad when he looked at it. She knew he missed her mom, just like she did. But there was something else in his gaze today, a deeper furrow in his brow.

Character's Inner World Prompts

After reading "The Old Bench," choose one of the main characters (Elias or Lily) and respond to the prompts below, imagining their inner thoughts and feelings.

Character Choice:

Prompt 1: The Weight on Their Shoulders

What is the biggest burden or worry this character is carrying? Describe it from their perspective, using specific details from the story to support your ideas.

Prompt 2: Unspoken Feelings

What emotions is your chosen character not expressing openly? How do you know they are feeling these things, even if they don't say them aloud? What might be holding them back from sharing?

Prompt 3: A Different Perspective

If your chosen character could spend a day in the other character's shoes, what do you think they would learn or realize? How might this change their own perspective on the situation?

Prompt 4: Their Deepest Hope

What is your chosen character's deepest hope in this situation? What outcome are they wishing for, and why is it so important to them?

Moral Dilemma Debate: The Old Bench

Instructions: In small groups, discuss the following moral dilemma presented in "The Old Bench." Each group member should try to argue from the perspective of either Elias or Lily, using their empathetic understanding of the characters.

The Dilemma:

Elias is faced with a difficult choice: move to a new city for a better job opportunity that will provide financial stability for him and Lily, but leave behind the memories and the only home Lily has ever known, a place deeply connected to her late mother. Staying would mean continued financial struggles but preserving a sense of continuity and memory.

Which decision should Elias make?

Debate Prompts:

1. From Elias's Perspective:

   • What are Elias's primary responsibilities and priorities? How does the new job offer align with these?
   • What are his fears and hopes regarding each option (moving vs. staying)?
   • How might he justify his decision to Lily, considering her feelings?
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

2. From Lily's Perspective:

   • How would Lily react to the news of moving? What specific emotions might she experience?
   • What are her strongest connections to Willow Creek Park and her current home?
   • If she were older, what arguments might she make to convince her father to stay?
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

3. The 'Best' Outcome (Considering Both):

   • Is there a way for Elias to make this decision that minimizes the emotional impact on Lily while still securing their future?
   • What would a truly empathetic decision look like in this situation? Can both financial stability and emotional well-being be prioritized?
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

Group Discussion Guidelines:

• Actively listen to each other's points, even if you disagree.
• Support your arguments with evidence from the short story and your empathetic understanding of the characters.
• Try to truly feel what the character would feel when presenting their side.