Today and Tomorrow
He pushed another pebble with the top of his sneaker and leaned forward to watch it fall from sight. There was just the cliff edge and nothingness. No safety barrier or rock ledge would hinder the pebble, or him. It was the most accessible place with the smallest amount of risk. Clear all the way to the bottom. Deep enough to end a worthless life.
Light from his phone illuminated the loving text message from his mum. Squaring his shoulders and summoning all his courage, he took a step away from the cliff.
A backwards step to a new beginning.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleWow. I’m glad your character did not continue to jump over the cliff to end his life. That is not the solution. If he thinks his life is worthless, he is mistaken. We all have different problems, no matter how much you have; even if you are a billionaire, you still have a problem because no life is perfect, and the problem is part of it, for us to grow, to mold… Read more »
Sometimes the thought of hurting those we love is gives us enough strength to keep going.
Yes, well said, Mary.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleWhat a dramatic story, Mary, and told in such a good way. I love the little details of the protagonist first trying the distance with a pebble, pushed over the edge by his foot. The way you give his plans away in an indirect way is also great: “…deep enough to end a worthless life.” I have seen the picture before and think it’s from the west coast in Norway. It’s very… Read more »
I’m so glad Mary that the protagonist did not end his life. There’s indeed light at the end of the tunnel. Just for us to be patient and keep moving against all odds.
Another well written story Mary. I looked after many people with severe depression during my nursing career. I also had a friend whose husband committed suicide. Sometimes it does take an immense amount of courage to live, especially if the person has to endure severe pain, loneliness, stress etc. Well done.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleHow often does fate take a hand, just like the loving text message that prevented such a tragedy in your story Mary? My daughter was a member of the chaplaincy team on Beachy Head; she spent many hours talking to those who had lost all hope. Confidentiality prevented her from repeating their stories but she did tell me she could understand how they had reached that point. I’m glad your story ended… Read more »
Linda, your comment prompted me to look up Beachy Head. Now I know that it is one of the three top suicide locations in the world. I greatly admire your daughter for her work with the chaplaincy team there. I read about the amazing work they do of helping those who desperately need help, and of saving so many lives. We need people like her even more these days with all the… Read more »
The chaplaincy team are truly amazing Fuji, out in all weathers, 24 hours a day and rely on charitable contributions. I am extremely proud of Amanda. Thank you for taking an interest and your kind comments.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleThank you Linda, I’m so glad your daughter is helping. You can never recover from the pain of someone taking their own life.
Mary, you have such a compassionate approach to some very difficult topics. We rejoice that the loving text message saved his life, but we also feel deeply for those like him who have no hope. Your writing helps bring awareness to some of life’s challenges.
There are so many stories waiting to be told; not all of them are comfortable, but all of them are important. Thank you for reading.
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To Leave Comments - Please SignIn with GoogleLovely, Mary! How fortunate that sometimes fate steps in. And, sometimes the power of R U OK? Well done 🙂