Hello @rayt2, I'm so glad you like my story. Starting lines are important. You're right they are an exercise. If anything I wrote here gives you and idea, use it. It would really make me happy to see the story lead to more stories, more ideas. This is one of the reasons I wrote. Some of our writers this week seemed to forget the target exercise, creating a hook. This story might be a reminder.
That first line really isn't smashing, but it serves.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I look forward to reading your story.
Peace, and health :)