I interpreted this prompt as literal. As a child you want someone to spend time with you. Manny and Phinnaeus become lonely when they are not together and begin to miss each other dearly. Because of this they both realize that “something is missing” from their lives: friends or in this case furry friends. That is why the brothers go and beg their parents to let them have a dog join their family so that Manny and Phinnaeus are not alone.
I interpreted this prompt as more personal. “Only a part not a whole” means
to me that I am not yet complete, that I am missing a part of myself. I grew up
with dogs in my life. I have never known what my life would be like without having
my furry companions. I always feel like I’m not complete when I am away from my dogs
especially since I’m now away at college. I thought it would be nice to have something
related to dogs and what they can bring into your life in my short story.
Both Manny and Phinnaeus feel alone when they are separated from each other. So once
they meet the puppies that will join their family the twins fall in love with their new
family members. The brothers now have best friends who will bring boundless amounts of
joy to them and vice versa. Now Phinnaeus and Manny are not alone anymore and now they
have someone who completes them.
I interpreted this prompt as something related to anxiety. I have a hard time drawing every now and then, but I know I am talented. For this prompt I thought it would be interesting to do something similar to how I feel and have Manny and Phinnaeus relate to it in their own ways. Both Manny and Phinnaeus are incredibly talented in their respective passions. When they are given the opportunity to show off their talents the brothers are overcomed by anxiety. The brothers’ anxiety stems from their fears of if they are good or not at their passions and if others will appreciate them.
I interpreted this prompt as literal. In the second short story when Phinnaeus and Manny are in doubt of their talents their parents step in to tell the boys to not worry. The parents give advice to their sons and for them to be confident in their abilities. Sometimes all you need is for someone to give you advice and encouragement to help you along the way.
I interpreted this prompt as literal. I chose for the “most important thing easily forgotten” to be confidence. Manny and Phinnaeus losing confidence in themselves lead to anxiety and distrust in their talents and skills. Without their parents' encouragement Manny and Phinnaeus would still be in doubt. However, remembering what was forgotten eased the brothers’ anxiety about themselves.