I attempt this entirely in the present tense. The narrator tells it as he goes along. Perhaps too bold of an attempt for me.

Here I have a question in the narritive, another no-no.
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A great mind approaches on the horizon, coming with the thunder, lightening, wind, and rain. Will there be hail or tornado? I cannot say. Curiosity of the mind drives me to peek out the window; fear of the storm draws me back into the basement.

RRING…The phone rings upstairs. RRING…It is loud and annoying. RRING…The noise beckons me and I obey. RRING…I sprint up the stairs two steps at a time. RRING…A thunderstorm is approaching; using a phone is unsafe. RRING …Years of conditioning force me to answer…

“Hello?” I say.

“Jim! It took you long enough!” says the boss. “Where are you?”