1) Use the following words in a story or essay: fifteen, would, bunch, visit, bemused. (10 min)
The door of number fifteen opened and Vera's new neighbour looked at her.
"Er, hello," Vera said, trying not to stare. "Welcome."
The neigbour blinked at her, and Vera smiled, bemused. It didn't look as freaky as she'd heard.
She offered the bunch of flowers she held. "My name is Vera. I brought you these as a welcoming gift."
"Sank you," the neigbour whispered. "I am honoured." It backed up with the flowers and bowed, waving her in.
Vera entered hesitantly, not sure what to expect. It looked like a normal house so far, with boxes strewn everywhere. Just like every other new arrival she'd had a visit with on their first day.
"I am Hessannak. Would you like a drink?"
2) Write about a character taking great pains to do something that normally takes no effort. (10 min)
"Yes please," Vera said, hoping that whatever Hessannak drank would be good.
"I haff only water. Is good?" Hessannak put the flowers on the counter.
"Water will be fine, er, Hessannak."
"Hessa Nak. I have two names, se first is my family name."
"I'm sorry. Should I call you Nak?" Vera lowered her voice to match Nak's near-whisper.
"That is good, Fera." Nak opened the fridge and half filled two glasses, then started carefully washing the flowers in the sink, dripping water from the jug slowly onto them.
Nak looked several times at the jug, watching the water level go down with what could only be worry.
"Excuse me," Vera said, feeling a little silly for interrupting. "What - er, what's the matter?"
"I haff only sis water," Nak said.
3) Write about solitude (10 min)
Vera stifled a laugh. "You've never lived in a human house before?"
"No," Nak said. "It is fery different. I haff learned se cold cupboard and se winter cupboard. I haff learned sat humans interrupt seir space. I haff not learned what all se many small spaces are for."
"You should have gotten a loft," Vera said. "Those are houses that are one big room."
"But for one person only?"
"Or two. Not usually more than that."
"I haff also learned sat humans are alone."
"Alone?"
"Space for one or two humans only?" Nak waved at the room around them. "You spend much time alone. It is lonely."
"Ah, you're used to sharing spaces with more people?"
"Yes." Nak shook the extra water off the flowers and got out a knife and a salad bowl. "You will share your gift wif me?"
