It would be nice to jump off from this staircase. There would be some pain and then peace forever.
I close my eyes and imagine the consequences. I think, the voices in my head wouldn’t scream, the heart wouldn’t panic and may be the pain would vanish too.
If I kill myself, she would die too. Of course, she wouldn’t die like me, but slowly, everyday, a hundred deaths probably.
As a part of me wants to live for her, mind prods to take that step and jump into silence, while the body pleads me to turn back and exist.
Linking this to Write Tribe Festival of Words – June 2018
Day 5 : Image Prompt
53 Responses
It seems the head wins over the heart since this story is being told ….
This comment actually added an extra dose of insight to an already insightful post. Don’t you think? I never considered it this way myself.
Agree with you, Roshan. I never thought this way too.
I like the way you think, it gave me a new perspective too. Thanks Sunita 🙂
Oh my this is dark and so sad. Wonder if she does jump after all….
I hope not!
What makes her take this step and why does she want to torment the other person? Is it betrayal? Unanswered questions but loved the narrative. .
Thanks Akshata!
The permanent solution of every problem.
Nicely penned.
I know what you mean, but that’s not the best solution.
Oh dear! I can feel her pain and her tormented soul torn between life and death. You’ve brought out her dilemma so succinctly, Shilpa in those few words.
Thanks Esha. Glad you liked this attempt!
How very well explained the emotions and tussle of the head with heart. I wish the heart wins, as quitting is not the way.
I hope so too. Thanks Dipika!
Does she refer to her daughter? This story made me sad 🙁
You may interpret it that way, Balaka. Though I had a man-woman scenario in mind.
Oh turn back! Exist! Gues that is what happened in the end?
I thinks so too!
Loved your comment, Rashmi!
Hope she listens to her body and doesn’t jump. She needs to think of her mother who would die a thousand deaths every day.
I hope she did listen to her body and survived… I mean existed!
will you be continuing this short story in future? A complete flash fiction with suspense.
Thanks for this comment, Deepa!
I have done 55 Fiction from AtoZ on crime stories. You may like to check that out till I write what you have in mind! 🙂
dark and sad.
This moment comes in every individual’s life I think at least once. What they do beyond this thought decides their future.
There is something about your stories that don’t talk aloud about its character but the emotion and the moment. The reader sees himself as that character. Shilpa, it’s simply outstanding.
You are very generous, Bhavna. Thank you for your kind words and these have truly made my day. 🙂
As always you leave us wanting more … did the body win? – I hope so
I hope so too!!
I wish she chooses her head over heart. These intriguing lines left me thinking, what made her take such hard step, was she thinking about her daughter or mother and what did she finally do? Lovely narration Shilpa.
Since these are flash fictions, i prefer to leave them open-ended with a lot of interpretations. I prefer capturing the thoughts and emotions of the character and that gives the some form to the backdrop. Thanks Vartika, glad you liked this story!
I was almost wondering if the inner voice would tell this person, about the life on bed or wheelchair. Just incase he survived. That would be dying hundreds of death for both of them
I know what you mean, Anupriya. I hope the person weighs all the pros and cons before taking any step! I am sure he will 🙂
While reading it, I am thinking the possible reason for her to take such a step. What could have happened to her that she decided to take this step. I hope she listens to her head…
http://mothersgurukul.com/no-elevator-success-take-stairs-reach-top/
A lot could have happened to him to have such thoughts…
I hope so too! Thanks Alpana.
Very powerful narration, Shilpa. I can easily interpret this story in three different ways. Well done.
Wow! I would love to read your interpretations, Varad. Please do share!!
I am glad he/she thought of the other ‘she’, who would also die a slow death. I hope that thought saved them both.
I am sure she would have kept that in mind!!
I felt like it was a mother talking about staying back for the life inside her. What a beautiful yet heartbreaking story.
I like the way you thought of this story, Sonia. Awesome. Thanks!
Good and the evil forces at play, mangling and tearing already troubled soul.
What could be the bigger story behind this tip of the iceberg, I wonder.
Yes, the dilemma that we face!!
A lot of things could have led to this… you tell me what you think about his story!
So many have this conversation EVERY SINGLE Day. Unfortunately, the choice isn’t easy or even the right one at times.
True that! Thoughts of killing self can be pretty overwhelming and as you rightly mentioned the choice and the decision might not be the right one!
Life is full of challenges and sometimes we cant find a way but giving up is not the way out.
Yes, there is always a way, only if we look for it!
This is another creative side to this picture prompt. This dilemma is work so many depressed people. Many succeed in coming out of it while others fall pray to it
Well said. The mental turmoil can be overwhelming and some seek help and support while many give in.
Suicide is painful and a difficult step for the one who takes it. Going on the brink and coming back is tough and you have portrayed it well.
Yes, it isnt easy when your mind is clouded with such negative thoughts. Thanks Neha, glad you liked this attempt!
Interesting read. Still, the pain remains untreated!
Sadly yes!
The dilemma is so real. It’s a hard fight. On one side you can quite everything and the other side you can keep fighting.
The eternal dilemma….
So true. One moment we give into emotions leaving a lifetime for pain for our loved ones.