An Alternate Ending

Author's Note: In class, we read a short story Thank You Ma'am. We were then told to come up with an alternate ending, by predicting what might happen using evidence from the text. In this ending, I have tried to master the reading element of prediction. Also look for the voice in this piece. 

He barely managed to say “Thank you” before she shut the door.


The days went on and so did his life, but each time he was about to do  something, the memories of Ms. Jones came back to his mind. From one day to the next he thought about the reasons Ms. Jones had done what she had and why. It came to his mind one pleasant afternoon, when he had known that Ms. Jones had changed his whole life. Back then he was a homeless boy without much money, but now he had a job, and was able to rent an apartment. How? It was because of that lady he had bumped into that day, Ms. Jones. Roger had finally became himself once again. 

Years of Roger’s life had gone by, but he had never forgotten Ms. Jones. As Roger was walking back down memory lane, he had confronted Ms. Jones’ house, the house that had changed him as a person. He walked up the steps and rang the doorbell. A young girl had opened the door. As Roger looked up to see her, a smile of joy had lightened up his whole face. 

“Ms. Jones. Long time, no see. I came back, to tell you something.” , Roger had said to her. 

“I”m sorry, but there is nobody here named Ms. Jones. My name is Veronica Jones. You must be looking for my mom, but sadly, she’s not with us anymore...”, the girl had said.

Roger was devastated, he had to see her again! Veronica then took Roger to her mother’s grave. He had bought some roses before, he then took the bouquet with him. Tears ran down his bright red cheeks. Roger sat down in front of Ms. Jones’ grave and said, “Thank you ma’am.”