Jailed for life.
Freedom at last.
A six word short story… it’s been a while.
Jailed for life.
Freedom at last.
A six word short story… it’s been a while.
His book was on the best sellers list and it was the worst possible thing that could have happened. – Today’s Author
He had never expected to send that draft to print; it was his first novel, and it was meant to remain unpublished.
Despite the people who appreciated the work, he knew it fell short somewhere. After countless scrutinizing drafts later, he had decided to put it off for sometime.
Then came the flourishing era.
He wrote another book, published it, and from there, his path was paved with success.
Throughout the years, the first novel remained a draft, collecting dust in his drawer. He never made an effort to revive it.
His family tried to coerce him into getting it published but he wouldn’t budge. He had convinced himself that his first book wasn’t meant for public readership.
Then it happened.
One bright Sunday, he left home for his morning walk, never to return.
Floating in mid-air, he gaped longingly at the shelves. After what seemed like hours, a young girl picked up a copy and flipped it to read the synopsis.
He read it over her shoulder.
“The critically acclaimed first work of the great novelist Bradly Wilson, published posthumously by his loving family.”
“This is his greatest contribution to the literary world. Pity he never got to see it in print.” — The New York Times.
“He was always like that; he gave away a lot without trumpeting it” — Mrs. Wilson.
Her eyes lit up as he came to a halt. All her life, she had been dreaming of this and within two days of his first visit, he had made it a reality.
“Hop on!” He smiled. With a fleeting thought of her parents, she got on the bicycle and held on to whatever little part of his shirt she could.
As he sped on, the heavens opened up and the chilly breeze kissed her face, brushing her soreness away.
For the first time, she felt bliss.
When he dropped her off at the hospital, she knew something had changed within. She was free. As she followed the nurse inside, the seven year old was hopeful.
He was not going to allow the cold, wind-driven rain to change his plans. Today’s Author
He replayed the motivational speech in his mind.
“Fitness is everything.”
He took one look at the wet street through the window, heaved a sigh and turned to his unmade bed.
What wouldn’t he give to cuddle up inside those comfortable sheets?
No. He had to go, it was his destiny.
He imagined the roads calling to him. With fierce determination, he walked, away from his bed, to the front door. Opening it, he stood on the doorway.
Squared shoulders and head held high — a perfect silhouette. As he took the first step onto the rain-lashed road, the camera zoomed to his shoes, and on it was the logo, bright and shiny.
“Yolker: Dare or Dare?”
Applause broke out as the advertisement ended, and up on stage, Richard’s face glowed with pride.
He thought of that wet morning. Motivated by a fitness advertisement, he had run uphill on a cold, wind-driven rain — only to slip and dislocate his spine.
That day, he realized: lying sells.
Smiling serenely, he accepted the award from his wheelchair.