Always and Forever
Sunny afternoon. He rubbed his forehead thoroughly, red and hot to the touch after a bitter loss against a witty short entrance. He was out of breath now, the stairs longer than he had calculated, but it had been worth it. The rooftop was rather comforting. It was windy and his white shirt held in all the air its buttons could contain. He looked over the edge, his vision often blocked by a storm of sharp hairs that stubbornly swayed in front of his eyes. The city was his own. From up here all the dusty corners were hidden, all the rotten, smelly walls covered by long and thick curtains. It was indeed beautiful, magnificent in fact. He had a silly thought; did all the tiny, ant-sized people know they were being watched? Is this how God feels? Does God feel anything at all?
A single look upwards, a single step forward, he was now on his back. The way down was more peaceful than he could have imagined. The air tried its very best to hold him up, give up now friend, it’s okay. His very own wings wrapped around him, accepting his decision. He was a cocoon now, a falling cocoon. Internal life is rather lame; this is all he lived for. Saturday afternoons over the city. Free falls. Sleeping in the air. Nothing could top this. He smiled and let himself slam against the unforgiving cement. Surely unforgiving, but he had his way with words.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI’m sure each of us will interpret this excellent story in our own way, which of course is the mark of a good story, Lydia. I thought the clue was in the title “Always and Forever”. It seems he is an immortal being who cannot die and therefore has to create his own entertainment. Free fall on a Saturday afternoon – it does sound exhilarating!
Honestly you are right on the money. That was my initial approach but however one interprets the story is totally up to them. Thank you for reading!
I’ve read your story several times Lydia, each time reading something else into it. Now, having read Julie’s comment, it all becomes clear. It’s one of those stories that stay with you, really well written and an interesting read.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you so much for the kind words, glad you enjoyed it!
A very intriguing story, Lydia. You have a unique voice – it’s good to have another story from you!
Thank you for reading again!
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHello again Lydia, can I ask you – has your character just committed suicide? Your story has a certain sadness, and also a lot of questions being asked. This story has me Intrigued. I hope I’m not missing the big picture here, please let me know.
Hello, thank you for reading and commenting. Yes they have committed suicide, though I would reconsider my definition of suicide if I were you.
It’s a very pleasant read, Lydia. You have nice descriptions of the ambiance. Like others, I wonder if this is a human or another kind of creature. He seems to crawl up to the top of the building and throw himself down over and over again. Is he living different lives? Is he a reincarnating butterfly/caterpillar/cocoon?
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHe is internal! However one imagines that. Thank you for reading.
This was the first story I read in the competition and although I loved the description, I admit I wasn’t sure I was grasping the true meaning. Now, reading the comments and your responses, I realise you’ve let us interpret your story in a variety of ways – no wrong answers but lots and lots of questions leaving us intrigued. Well done!
Hello, thank you for reading. I suppose this is my character when it comes to writing; I like to give the reader a pallet of possible emotions and scenarios that he can choose from depending on what resonates with him rather than forcing an emotion or idea upon him. I am glad you enjoyed it.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleI really like stories like this, where the writer gives freedom and space. Nice story!
Thank you for reading!
I love it. At first read, I conclude that it was a suicide. Then, I am not satisfied so I decided to read it again. At my second read, the picture of my mind was changed, it was now a freefall on Saturday afternoon. Very excellent, Lydia. You let your reader make each interpretation.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleAm so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for taking the time to comment.
You’re welcome, Lydia.