It’s hard to have happy thoughts when you know that you’re dying. Also, I still haven’t gotten over my wife’s death. She fell off a cliff four days ago, plunging to her death. She couldn’t have survived. I would’ve fell with her, but my leg got stuck in a tree branch. The tree isn’t too big. More of a lone freak growing from the side of a rocky mountain.
I’m upside down. The world looks better this way. I’m dehydrated, so probably also delusional. My head and shoulders feel heavy. Gravity is working against me. I can’t feel anything waist down. But that was my wife’s complaint for years. It’s not biological, it’s psychological. How could I feel anything for a woman who gave me no love or respect?
This trip wasn’t my idea. It was an anniversary gift from our son. He’s a hotshot lawyer, already earning more than I could ever make. That was another of my wife’s complaints. She married a teacher but wanted to live like a queen. It’s unfortunate that she died like a stray dog.
I’m laughing. No. I’m crying.
The sun is burning my skin. I need some water, maybe a bottle of gin. I’m crying again. I’ve tried to end it. But the tree just won’t let go. No matter how much I shake myself, I continue to hang like a bat. I’m even a failure at dying. My wife would’ve laughed and reminded me what else I had failed at.
Miserly husband.
Heartless father.
Dumb teacher.
Silly man.
She ridiculed me every hour of the day. And that’s exactly what she was doing when I pushed her off the cliff. But she was quick. Held on to me. And we both fell.
She’s dead. I’m still suffering.
Who really did win?
Also Read: https://terveengill.com/flash-fiction-story-a-mans-life/
You never fail to surprise me with your twists and unexpected ending. Stories are short but do not fail to evoke strong emotional reaction.
I look forward to more such stories and perhaps a novel!
Thank you very much! Indeed, there’s much more in store 🙂
[…] Also Read: https://terveengill.com/flash-fiction-story-an-anniversary-gift/ […]
Loved this!
Thank you so much! 🙂
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