This was the prompt for today’s six-minute story.
(photo by epSos.de from Flickr)
And here was my response: Indecision.
I tried to avoid the cliché of a describing a would be suicide, at least, not head on.
Not sure if it works.
Six minutes isn’t long enough to plan a cohesive structure. But it is great fun to write a story with the clock ticking.
Here is the story for those who can’t be bothered to follow the link:
OK guys. Calm down. Yes, I am standing on the edge of a cliff. No, I am not contemplating suicide.
For a start, my life is worth living. I have a new girlfriend, a great job, an apartment with a mortgage and a loving family. I don’t drink and I only smoke after meals.
So, what am I doing here?
I am thinking of my future and of the choices I need to make. Like today, when I phoned my girlfriend (gorgeous, blonde and randy) and she said she thought it was time for commitment. But am I ready for that? I don’t know.
Or how about my job? The boss wants me to keep working on my current project, but the department head is keen I take on the strategic planning for the coming year. That could be great for my career, if I get my forecasts right. Or terrible, if I get it horribly wrong.
Decision making is not my strong point. You may have gathered that.
Today I went walking with my dog. She ran ahead and disappeared off the edge of a slope. When I caught up with her, I realised the “slope” is, in fact, a very steep cliff.
Where is my dog? No idea?
So here I am, sitting on the edge of the cliff and wondering whether to phone 999 for help. And if I do phone 999, do I ask for the police? Or for the coastguard? Or what?
You see, there are so many decisions in life. And I find it hard. Yes, life is hard. Perhaps the end is in sight. Or not.
Ruth Livingstone 