FLASH FICTION | The Parted

Written by: Jason Edward Cowan

A man sits on the docks in the middle of the night, staring upon the water awaiting the arrival of his boat. He understands what he needs to do yet, he feels dread and sorrow staring at himself in the reflection of the ocean. In the reflection lies a sorrowful face staring down distressed. He clenches his fist feeling upon his coarse palms. He attempts to stay strong holding in tears yet he can’t. No matter how hard he could try tears fell and fell until he broke into tears. He clasped his palms onto his arms continuing to cry no matter what he thinks that this can’t be happening. Not now not ever, as he screams out in rage slamming his fist onto the docks clashing around before running out of breath, laying on his side along the dock. He watches as a silhouette comes near as it comes near the boat stops at the dock. A shadowed figure sits at the rowing station awaiting the man. The man stares unsure the tears begin to vanish as he gets on his knees pleading to the figure begging

bargaining. The figure shakes its head. The man sighs knowing theres no other choice closing his eyes. Thinking of how it all lead to this one moment. He accepts not knowing whats going to happen placing one foot in the boat, He takes a seat. As the figure begins to row the boat the man stares up gazing upon the stars the full moon vibrant he focuses on it. He is in peace, he is calm he stops clenching his hand as he takes a deep breath leaning back. The boat slowly fades back into a silhouette fading away as the distance grows.