In our writer’s group, we do a writing exercise whenever we meet. This short piece began as one of those exercises.
This story is available on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/dynamiclethargy/the-magnificent-river
Paul stood on the bank. He looked at the river from the swift flow of the main current to the gentle lapping at his feet.
Like someone’s life, the river had a story. High in the mountains a drop of water had fallen from a snow drift into a small pond. As more drops fell, the pond grew until the water spilled over and trickled down the slope. Further down more trickles of water from other small ponds joined the trickle until they became a small creek.
By the time it reached Paul, the trickles had become a magnificent river. He marveled at how it had grown broad and deep. For a moment, he frowned as he thought how the river would eventually slow down and then lose its identity in the great sea of eternity at the end of its journey.
He peered across the wide expanse. On the other side Laura waited for him. Although he couldn’t see her from where he stood, he knew she was there. The saga of the magnificent river inspired him. He knew it was time for him to act, while he was at his peak. To delay was to give up.
He dove into the water.
He felt the sharp chill the water preserved from the snow it had once been. He moved quickly at first. Each vigorous stroke took him closer to the far edge of the river.
At first, it seemed to him that the far bank was no closer. The day wore on. Now he could see his progress. He passed the midpoint; too late to turn back now. He was committed to complete his journey.
The light faded, and his strength ebbed. He stopped and floated in the water. The cold crept into the core of his being.
He looked ahead. It wasn’t far now. With a force of will, he pushed himself forward. Each stroke brought weakness. Each stroke brought pain. Each stroke brought the end closer.
His hand felt the touch of dry land.
He dragged himself up on the bank. He laid down on his back. His lungs drew in cold clear air. Above him, he saw the twinkling stars. A darkness slowly covered the sky above and came down toward him. He smiled.
“Laura!”
