The decision has been made. Preparation must begin immediately; a trip to the hardware store is in order.
The older woman standing at the cash register scans each item. “Will this be all for you today?”
A nod is sufficient and the coiled lot is hoisted to a shoulder.
No paper is needed; likewise, no pen. Why make someone read the drivel? They are neatly stowed back in a drawer, and the chair pushed in.
Down the steps carefully, holding the means at a height free of a footfall–a tumble downward isn’t the plan or the goal. No. However, once at the bottom, beams in view, pre-measured at roughly nine feet, all is coming together.
Mere moments pass, arrangement of all the components are made–each positioned with care. Even the step stool is measured and placed with precision beneath the pendulous purchase. Ready.
Remote in hand, three tiny steps scaled, future secured after passing overhead; Rhapsody, Concerto No. 3 begins its pre-set loop.
Humming with the chords, a lone tear trickling, the stool crashes against the cement floor, askew and supporting no more.
K.J. Young has been writing for personal satisfaction over the last 20 years, only recently deciding to publish. A wide gambit of genres have been attempted, including suspense, mystery, romance, and fantasy.
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9 Responses to “PAROXYSM NO MORE • by K.J. Young”
Comments
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May 18th, 2008 at 3:08 am
Bleak.
May 18th, 2008 at 3:16 am
The relentless logic of this piece makes it even more tragic, as does the economy of words.
I only guessed the aim at the mention of the step stool, but the re-read with knowledge of the conclusion…
A very powerful piece.
May 18th, 2008 at 4:21 am
Call me depressing but i picked up on the ending at the word “hardware store” hehe.
This piece was dark and tragic, not bad at all.
May 18th, 2008 at 4:41 am
Absorbing. Well done.
May 18th, 2008 at 5:00 am
Thank you all for your comments, they are very appreciated.
After looking back at previously published items here at EDF, I noticed a smaller number of “dark and tragic” pieces in comparison to others. I decided then to submit this short. I’ll do my best and hope some “lighter” works are published in the future.
Thank you again for reading and commenting!
KJ Young
May 18th, 2008 at 5:48 am
There is a chilling truthfullness to this.
May 18th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Very dark and chilling and definitely worth the read. Well done on your first publication here!
May 18th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
A chilling and dark tale.
Excellent work in a very small packet.
May 19th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Excellent, as always. I truly enjoyed this tale. Thank you for writing this with such honesty, and for addng music to the mix.