Sara woke at 1:59 to silence. No alarm. The clocks were falling back, a night when time loans you an hour. Sara had always resented it. An extra hour just meant more time lying awake with thoughts she’d spent years trying to outrun. But tonight felt different.
She reached for the yellow tablet she kept by her bed, its dog-eared pages worn from years of random thoughts. Her mother was twenty years dead, and Sara had spent most of those years perfecting her anger.
You left me there.
The pen dug into the paper. Blue lines disappeared under black ink.
The nuns said you’d come back for me one day.
She wrote faster.
I learned to braid my own hair. To lie about why I had no one at Christmas. No one wanted me. You never came.
The words came in chunks now. Her hand cramped, but she couldn’t stop.
Three pages. Four. The tablet’s spine buckled under the weight of the words.
Then something shifted. It wasn’t forgiveness exactly, more a softening.
Maybe you were drowning too.
She turned off the light and slipped back into bed. The clock read 1:59—again.
In six months, she’d have to give the hour back. Tonight, she’d spent it.
Borrowed Time
What’s your Reaction to this post?
+1
1
+1
14
+1
Walking through pain and anger will steal endless moments.
Releasing the gravity of the
past lifts that weight (and
that wait).
It is then we rise!
Bless you!
Jim, I have always enjoyed the longer days. Get more accomplished. Loosing it is another story. Glad Sara found her peace.. Always love your writings.
Like you, I dislike the shorter days. Time is precious—I never have enough. Much more to do, to say. Thank you, Ferrell.
To be released from the burden of negativity and find peace and freedom is a powerful happening. Thanks for putting me on your “send” list…Jane
So true, Jane. Freedom often requires forgiveness.
It’s an honor to have you on the email list—welcome!
Beautifully written story that, sadly, many people are left to live. I pray they all find Sara’s softening and peace.
So true, Pat. The first step to healing is forgiveness. Thank you for sticking with me. There’s a strategy at play with these short stories. Hang on—they will get more impactful in the coming weeks.
Wonderful story, Jim. Bill Sickels sent me the link.
It’s great to hear from you, Jeff. I hope you and your family are well.
Many thanks for reading this little story. I respect and appreciate your feedback. Let me know where you are writing these days.
Bill is a true friend, and I am blessed to know him. He’s quite the magician as well…
I always love falling back, springing forward is another matter. Your writing is always thought-provoking. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for always being there with kind encouragement and support, Ann. I won’t forget it.
JIm, your most recent work was outstanding. The craftmanship, pacing, and Sara’s voice all came together perfectly at the end. Truly remarkable writing.
You are a great friend, Bill. Your support is such a blessing to me. It’s always an honor to hear your comments. Stick with me—we are going to create things that make a difference!
Wow! Poor Sara! Very thought provoking to us seniors who, for some reason or another, awaken too early and our thoughts go everywhere.
I know what you mean about the senior thought process…. I just became one of you. Now we are in this together. I’m grateful to have you with me, Judy. Thank you for reading.
Jim – I found this writing thought provoking and applicable on a few different levels. Thank you for sharing your talent.
I’m grateful it resonated with you, Paula. It’s one that requires some thought, and you got it. Thank you.
I’m waiting on your book and the interview on TV for a best seller.
You will be a first reader BEFORE it is published. I won’t forget your amazing support.
Jim – I love your style. Please continue to send me your writings. Have a great day.
Dick H
You will always be on the top of my email list, my good friend.