Sunday 14 November 2010

Clockwork

He comes home from work at six, regular as clockwork.

The loft ladder, normally his domain, is down.

The hatch is open, the cold air blows into the house.

She sits on the edge, feet dangling free.

"What are you up to?" he asks,

confusion in his voice, a wry smile on his face.

"This!" she shouts back.

And with just a moment's thought, she jumps, as if into his arms.

He smiles, and puts out his arms to catch her.

A moment too late, he sees the noose around her neck.

We try. We really try. Fighting against all the odds.

A blur of uniforms, green and orange.

A whirr of blades and flashing lights.

We hear his pleas, his screams, his sobs.

And suddenly, as if in answer to his prayers,

she breathes. Regular as clockwork.

And so do we.

6 comments:

oneunder said...

Impressed, I've never got a hanging back.

Anonymous said...

Wow. I am so glad it didn't end like I expected.
Minty

Anonymous said...

Excellent story telling, excellent story

Ross said...

Well done sir.

My stomach sank half way through the story.
Glad of a happy ending.

Anonymous said...

What a selfish woman...

I'm absolutely gobsmacked.

To put one's family & friends through suicide is one thing. To make a "loved" one see you do it is quite another.

I hope she gets the help she so desperately needs.

I hope he gets the answers as to why.

MM1

Anonymous said...

Very much agreed with 'Ross'. Really did feel a bit weird halfway through the story, but very very glad it ended up as a happy story. Dr Abuse