My first 55-word story

Fifty-five word stories are all the rage these days. (Well, that may be putting it a bit strongly, but they are popular.) I had no idea where the fifty-five word story came from--and what's so damn magic about the number 55. But, like (most) everything else (except maybe why people ever liked game show host Wink Martindale), it has an explanation.

According to that wondrous source Wikipedia (which HAS to be a good source because the Contentious Introvert is included by name in its entry on "nonverbal communication"), "the origin of 55 Fiction can be traced to a short story writing contest organized by New Times, an independent alternative weekly in San Luis Obispo, in 1987. The idea was proposed by New Times founder and publisher Steve Moss. New Times, while often mistakenly believed to be part of the New Times chain of papers, is actually part of the smaller, San Luis Obispo-county based New Times Media Group, which also owns the Santa Maria Sun." (Probably WAY more than you really wanted to know!) But, more to the point:

A literary work will be considered 55 Fiction if it has:

1. Fifty-five words or less (A non-negotiable rule)
2. A setting,
3. One or more characters,
4. Some conflict, and
5. A resolution. (Not limited to moral of the story)

Now, I wrote my first 55er before reading these "rules" on Wikipedia, so I don't know if my story meets all of them. But, what the hey? I'm just gonna post it. And so here is the (drum roll....) world debut of my first 55-word story:

He never appreciated the utter insanity in the world until a sweet, concerned student gave him a book: The Backside of Satan. Therein he learned that the author's son, living in India, was ill. Why? Because in India, "they worship false gods." Reading such nonsense, he took his first leap into the pit of despair.

Hmm. Autobiographical, perhaps? Not sure one could make up stuff like this. Unfortunately.

On that cheery note, a Merry Christmas to all!