Post 1569. Wednesday 19 July
Friday Fictioneers
I should have done something, but I didn’t. I put myself first and I’ll live with my decision for ever more.
I told myself I’d imagined it. Imagined a muffled noise coming from the boot, imagined the car shudder. There were several people in the car park, but two men stood out. They turned and stared in my direction. I shivered. They started moving towards me. That’s when I decided to walk away, do nothing.
I avoided newspapers, radio, and television for several days. I didn’t want to know if someone was missing; someone I could have saved. I’ll always wonder, never know.
I avoided newspapers, radio, and television for several days. I didn’t want to know if someone was missing; someone I could have saved. I’ll always wonder, never know.
.
So very well written, Keith! Brilliant !
ReplyDelete'I put myself first and I will live with my decision for ever more'- loved this line , in particular.
Praised indeed coming from such an acomplished juggler of words! Cheers moon.
DeleteGreat story Keith. We'll never know who or what was in the boot and why.
ReplyDeleteSo true. Thanks for dropping by Michael
DeleteOoh, this gave me shivers. Imagine being in that situation and having that always hanging over you.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure many people have found themselves there. Happily not me! Thanks Nick
DeleteTough situation to be in. Sometimes it is best to just not know.
ReplyDeleteYes and no. Cheers Iain
DeleteNow you have me wondering! Excellent tale that takes the reader right into the situation.
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted it had that effect! Thanks so much Lillian
DeleteThat was great, Keith. I don't mean to make you feel bad, but there was a young girl in the boot: https://beyondtheflow.wordpress.com/2017/07/19/82-584-18-friday-fictioneers/
ReplyDeleteYou're men are about to get caught.
xx Rowena
Now I feel terrible! Cheers Rowena
DeleteWell written, Keith. An uncomfortably possible dilemma, and the response of avoiding the knowledge is so true to life!
ReplyDeleteEven though I wrote it I really can't begin to imagine what it must be like. Thanks Penny
DeleteBut really, what could one woman do against probably armed men? By the time she'd called the police, the men and their car would have been long gone. Hmmmm.
ReplyDeleteWhilst that is true, I think you would always wonder 'what if?' Thanks for yur thoughts Linda
DeleteA difficult choice. But I suspect he chose the one that saved his life.
ReplyDeleteI think that's what most of us would do in that situation. Thanks Sandra
DeleteThe guilt stays.
ReplyDeleteForever more. Thanks Reena
DeleteSo very well written a tale of regret!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much
DeleteThe two guys walking toward him made me uncomfortable too. Well written tale, Keith.
ReplyDeleteScared me too! Cheers Russell
DeleteKeith this was good! That last line was great! Knocked it out of the park.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your kind words
DeleteAll of us hope that we will be brave under deplorable circumstances. Not all achieve this goal, however it is worthy and admirable to try. I really like Rowena's reply. Nan
ReplyDeleteSpot on Nan. Thanks for visiting.
DeleteI can understand what was going through his mind. It's much easier to ignore some things for the sake of self-preservation. I love how he avoided the media afterwards, just in case. Great piece!
ReplyDeleteInded it is. Thanks for your comment Allistair
DeleteSo well written, Keith :) I loved the descriptions of the strangers and your fear.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
kittysverses.wordpress.com
So pleased you enjoyed it. Thank you
DeleteDear Keith,
ReplyDeleteNo doubt this will forever plague him. There are always the 'what if's' aren't there? Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Life is one big 'what if'. Thanks Rochelle
DeleteIt seems a few of us saw kidnapping in this photo! Well written.
ReplyDeleteSo I've noticed! Thamks Clare
DeleteOoh, intriguing.
ReplyDeleteIndeed! Thanks Darla
DeleteFantastic, Keith. How selfless can one be? That's a great question for each and everyone. Can you be selfish and then answer to your conscience?
ReplyDeleteNow there's a question! Cheers Varad
DeleteI put myself first..... this revelation is so candid. On paper and in discourses it is easy to say stand up . but wont the conscience prick later? a plethora of questions. very well articulated, Keith.
ReplyDeletehttp://ideasolsi65.blogspot.in/2017/07/photo-prompt-kent-bonham-i-always-stand.html
Should a situation such s this actually occur I have no idea how I would react. Thanks for your thoughts
DeleteHaven't we all had thoughts like this...
ReplyDeleteShould I, shouldn't I? We certainly have. Cheers Calen
Deleteas the way the story ends, the protagonist and reader are left in the same boat. :)
ReplyDeleteSorry about that!Thanks for dropping by plaridel
DeleteOf course, he could have simply taken note of the license plate and type of car and keep on walking, making his way, oh so, subtly, to the police...
ReplyDeleteWould have made for a rather dull story! Thanks Dale
DeleteI wonder if I'd act any differently - great story, Keith.
ReplyDeleteMe too - I'd rather not have to find out!
DeleteMost of us have done that at least once. Great take and a wonderful write.
ReplyDeleteIn some form or another I'm sure. Thanks for joining me
DeleteExcellent! I think most of us daydream of being heroes, but when push comes to shove and we don't know for sure, we might not be inclined to put our lives on the line.
ReplyDeleteHeroism (or heroinism!) comes with risks! Thanks Sascha
DeleteExcellent story and a very realistic moral dilemma. Fear of being harmed, fear of being embarrassed, shame, pride... and then the what-ifs come to haunt.
ReplyDeleteThis was an extreme example of something most of us experience at some time. What if? Cheers Ga H
DeleteThis brings up so many what-ifs to my memory, although i don't believe lives were in the balance in them.
DeleteWell told!
Shew that's a lot of guilt!
ReplyDeleteGood portrayal.