Prompt: After reading the short story “After Twenty Years” by O. Henry, rewrite the story from Jimmy, the police officer’s point of view. In the original story, we don’t know much about the feelings and internal thoughts of Jimmy. In your rewrite, tell the reader how Jimmy feels when he realizes who Bob is. What is going on in his head? What is he thinking? How is he feeling? Remember to keep some things that wouldn’t change from the original story, like the dialogue, the same.
As I stood on the dark, deserted street corner, waiting for my old friend Bob to show up, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. It had been twenty years since we last saw each other, and I wondered what had become of him during all those years. I remembered the crazy adventures we used to have together, the trouble we would get into, and the bond we shared as best friends.
As the time passed, I began to feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension. What if Bob had changed too much? What if he didn't recognize me? Would we still have that same connection we once had? My mind raced with thoughts and questions, but deep down, I knew that seeing Bob again would bring back a flood of memories and emotions.
When I finally spotted a figure approaching in the distance, I couldn't contain my anticipation. As Bob got closer, I squinted my eyes to get a better look at him. And then it hit me - the familiarity of his features, the way he walked, the glint in his eyes. It was Bob, my dear old friend, standing right in front of me after all these years.
A rush of emotions flooded through me - relief, joy, incredulity. I couldn't believe that fate had brought us back together on this particular night. Despite the years that had passed, the bond between us was still strong, unbreakable.
As Bob and I exchanged our greetings and caught up on each other's lives, I couldn't shake the feeling of happiness and contentment that washed over me. Seeing my old friend again was like coming home after a long journey. And as we parted ways once more, I knew that no matter how much time passed, the connection between us would always remain. My heart was full, and I was grateful for this unexpected reunion that brought back a piece of my past into my present.