Short Stories

---

I inch closer, dislodging some pebbles that go skipping over the edge. The cliff I’m on rises upwards, obscuring the view directly below me. In the distance is a beautiful, fertile valley, green and lush in the glow of the afternoon and the sight of it is utterly captivating. The breeze brings me the sweet scent of the sun warmed forest below and I inhale deeply.

My curiosity burns and I feel compelled to climb higher on the rocks to see the full view. More pebbles go over the edge, warning me of the danger I’m in. I can handle it, I think. I won’t fall. My legs are scratched by the sharp edges of the rocks and I inch still closer. The view is so lovely and I want to sit and gaze all day at its beauty.

I turn to look at my traveling companion, patiently waiting for me on the path. I signal to hold on one more minute. It’s so difficult to leave this place but I know I cannot stay forever. I must get on with the journey. I turn to look again at the valley and wonder how I can ever leave. How sad to know that I must move on. It hurts to think of it.

My companion, the strong, sweet one chosen especially by the King to escort me home, does not understand my preoccupation with the view. I’ve been cut and scraped in my efforts to see more. He wonders if it’s been worth it.

I hear a sound behind me and am startled to see my enemy standing there with a smile on his hideous face. “I was about to push you over”, he says. “It would have been so easy. I could have done it with one hand and you would have been destroyed.” I gasp, scramble down the boulders and run past him to my friend’s side. The lovely view does not seem so alluring now. I can see it for what it is. A trap. A beautiful trap.

I take the hand of my companion and tell him I’m ready to go. We are headed to our celestial home where I will run into the embrace of my King. Into the only arms I’ve truly desired all along. I shiver to think of the danger I was in by my own choice.

My partner smiles at me, puts his arm around my shoulders, kisses my face and we continue our long journey home.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE