Charli’s prompt this week:
January 25, 2018, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that goes to the edge. Consider what the edge might be and how it informs the story. Go where the prompt leads.
“It feels like I’m standing on a knife edge, and I don’t know which way to fall…” Lucy carried on.
“On one side there is familiarity, there are constraints, there’s suspicion, there is the happiness of being part of ‘us’.
On the other, a different way of living, emptiness, the possibility of freedom, not being judged, there’s just me.”
Dr Jones looked at his patient, surprised by the depth of her words. As her therapist, it was his job to listen, and guide her… but did he want to be the one to push her one way or another?
https://carrotranch.com/2018/01/25/january-25-flash-fiction-challenge/
manyofus1980
Apr 08, 2018 @ 13:41:21
I am going through some posts which I had saved, and saw this only now. I love it. Very cool piece!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Apr 08, 2018 @ 13:42:15
Glad you liked xx
LikeLike
Vasu Gangapalli
Feb 07, 2018 @ 20:15:38
Being on the lighter edge is a delima.. Well written.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Feb 07, 2018 @ 20:40:40
Thank you so much. 😊
LikeLike
Charli Mills
Jan 29, 2018 @ 15:58:04
That’s an interesting edge to be at, Ritu and I image that therapists witness many edges. It makes me wonder how many edges other professions see, too. I like it when a flash makes me wonder about the characters’ lives!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Jan 29, 2018 @ 17:24:19
There are edges all around Charli!!! Thanks for appreciating 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Irene Waters 19 Writer Memoirist
Jan 29, 2018 @ 10:34:51
Absolutely not. If he is a good therapist he will let her make her own decision. I think most of us would be able to relate to feeling on a knife edge not knowing which way to go.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ritu
Jan 29, 2018 @ 12:40:27
That is true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
anuragbakhshi
Jan 29, 2018 @ 08:51:50
That’s not a dilemma that anyone would wish to have. But then I guess they would be trained to handle just these sort of dilemmas, wouldn’t they?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ritu
Jan 29, 2018 @ 12:40:09
True…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Judy E Martin
Jan 28, 2018 @ 18:13:43
This is a tricky dilemma indeed,Sis. I don’t envy that therapist! Great story. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Jan 28, 2018 @ 18:17:55
Thanks sis. It’s a tough decision for one to make and a heavy burden to carry for that one who has to guide…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Judy E Martin
Jan 28, 2018 @ 19:04:52
Oh yes, I can certainly understand that, Sis. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Jan 28, 2018 @ 19:37:36
I know you can! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Marje @ Kyrosmagica
Jan 28, 2018 @ 17:23:38
Interesting…. Two possiblities with very different outcomes. Choices can take us down so many different pathways.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Jan 28, 2018 @ 17:25:01
They can indeed Marje!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lisa Orchard
Jan 28, 2018 @ 16:21:46
Awesome little snippet. I want to read more! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Jan 28, 2018 @ 17:08:27
Glad you enjoyed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Em Linthorpe
Jan 28, 2018 @ 11:45:47
Love it.
I recognise that edge actually, I have been a Lucy. I took the second option, and although the reason for the jump didn’t work out, if I hadn’t done it – then I wouldn’t be in the good place I am now 😊
I’m sure Jones will make the right decision, he probably just requires a little bit more information. Good luck Mr Jones!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Jan 28, 2018 @ 12:05:05
Thanks for getting it Em 💜
LikeLike
Em Linthorpe
Jan 28, 2018 @ 12:07:30
Much love 😊 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Phil Taylor
Jan 28, 2018 @ 11:38:34
Well done. Excellent inner monologue. Very genuine!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Jan 28, 2018 @ 12:04:40
Thank you Phil!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Jan 28, 2018 @ 11:18:56
Glad to hear it!! 💜
LikeLike
Denzil TheBookOwl
Jan 28, 2018 @ 11:17:22
A tricky dilemma for Mr Therapist. Hopefully he doesn’t lose his impartiality in these matters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Jan 28, 2018 @ 11:18:25
I don’t envy therapists!
LikeLike
Lucy Mitchell
Jan 28, 2018 @ 10:59:19
Love this. It’s got a lovely dark feeling about it. How far away from ‘the edge is she?’ and she’s called Lucy
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Jan 28, 2018 @ 11:06:09
Hope you’re not at any edge like that Lucy!!! 😯 thank you xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lucy Mitchell
Jan 28, 2018 @ 11:10:38
Loving my Sunday so no edges in sight 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
Erika Kind
Jan 28, 2018 @ 10:32:47
Exactly! A good therapist leads the patient to find out for themselves what the right direction for them is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Jan 28, 2018 @ 10:44:14
Let’s hope all therapists are good sis…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Erika Kind
Jan 28, 2018 @ 13:07:32
And if they aren’t, let’s hope to recognize early enough!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Jan 28, 2018 @ 13:24:33
True dat sis!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Erika Kind
Jan 28, 2018 @ 16:20:34
💖💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
thebeasley
Jan 28, 2018 @ 09:59:33
Oh I love this! It’s quite dark and like how it leaves it open for many interpretations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Jan 28, 2018 @ 10:00:08
Thanks Hayley. Glad you enjoyed 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
rachaelstray
Jan 28, 2018 @ 09:11:14
Love this idea of short succinct stories I’m totally drawn in. Will Lucy be pushed over the edge? What will happen next??
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Jan 28, 2018 @ 09:12:04
I have really enjoyed Charli’s 99 word prompts, well worth joining in Rachael! ~You’d enjoy them!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Book Club Mom
Jan 27, 2018 @ 21:22:55
Oh I like how you have so many unknowns in this story! I’m wondering, is the “us” Lucy and her therapist?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Jan 27, 2018 @ 21:36:08
Now that’s a tangent I hadn’t considered! I’m glad it made you think!
LikeLiked by 1 person
dearanonymousfriend
Jan 27, 2018 @ 21:15:59
Wonderful! I want to read more! Drew me right in and made me long for more. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Jan 27, 2018 @ 21:35:22
Thank you for appreciating 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
OIKOS™-Redaktion
Jan 27, 2018 @ 18:05:22
Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
LikeLiked by 1 person
robbiesinspiration
Jan 27, 2018 @ 17:24:15
Nice response, Ritu. I wonder what he will decide?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Jan 27, 2018 @ 17:26:30
Thanks Robbie. That’s the $2,000,000 question!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Deb
Jan 27, 2018 @ 15:45:31
Ooh a knife edge….brilliant! And the storyline that follows…so intriguing!! Well done Ritu! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Jan 27, 2018 @ 16:26:10
Thanks Deb 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Deb
Jan 28, 2018 @ 00:00:09
Welcome!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jennie
Jan 27, 2018 @ 13:55:07
Oooo, this is really good, Ritu!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Jan 27, 2018 @ 13:58:15
Glad you enjoyed it 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jennie
Jan 27, 2018 @ 19:08:49
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
susansleggs
Jan 27, 2018 @ 02:34:19
To steer in a specific direction on one’s beliefs, may not fit the personality of the one you are steering. That’s a true dilemma. Well done.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ritu
Jan 27, 2018 @ 08:23:02
Thank you Susan 💜
LikeLike
beehalton2
Jan 26, 2018 @ 23:52:50
I find that one disquieting. Not sure why though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Jan 27, 2018 @ 08:22:15
I guess many are on tgat edge Bee… and there’s a chance outsiders are the ones who influence our decisions…
LikeLike
beehalton2
Jan 27, 2018 @ 09:39:15
They do indeed and one can only hope they have our best interest in mi d
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ritu
Jan 27, 2018 @ 09:44:50
True!
LikeLiked by 1 person
beehalton2
Jan 27, 2018 @ 09:39:29
Mind 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Michael
Jan 26, 2018 @ 22:50:22
Edges do created that dilemma don’t they, either way could spell disaster….good response Ritu.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ritu
Jan 26, 2018 @ 23:00:31
Thank you Michael. They do indeed .
LikeLiked by 1 person
Annette Rochelle Aben
Jan 26, 2018 @ 22:14:59
Ooh, I have been in therapy… I wonder if this was something any of my therapists were wondering…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ritu
Jan 26, 2018 @ 22:21:36
I often wonder… other people’s lives are literally in their hands…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Donnalee
Jan 26, 2018 @ 20:38:56
I like this.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ritu
Jan 26, 2018 @ 20:42:28
Thank you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person