Member-only story
Promptly Written: Random Word Saturday
If Not Now, When? — A Short Story
Prompt Yourself: Weekly Prompts October 9–15
John wanted to feel something, anything, other than the bitterness that consumed him. He wanted to escape the chaos and ugliness of his reality, even just for a moment; to find some quiet and wisdom in the midst of the noise and confusion. He wanted to have the courage to make a choice, a different choice, a better choice.
But how to do that was the problem. It was easier said than done.
He was trapped in an illusion, a web of lies and deceit that he had woven over time. John had convinced himself that this was the life he deserved, the best he could possibly do, and the only way to survive.
Long ago, he had given up on his dreams, his hopes, and his passions. He had settled for a dead-end job, a toxic relationship, a dull existence. He had numbed himself with drugs, alcohol, and other highs, losing himself in the process.
He didn’t know who he was anymore.
Until one day, when he found a message in his mailbox.
It was a simple note, written on a torn piece of paper. It said:
“If not now, when?”
