Flash Fiction

Two Sides of the Same Story

      

     Thousands of thoughts and feelings rush through my mind as I force myself across the dark and busy street of San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge had to be one of the most beautiful bridges in the entire world - all lit up surrounded by the sparkling water. However, tonight it had a different feel. I stood there on the windy bridge, letting my final thoughts vanish before I let life pass before my eyes. Was this the right decision? Of course it was! Ever since the day my parents had announced they were getting a divorce at the age of 13, I felt as though my purpose to live was no more. Things had started to change dramatically - my grades began to drop, I began skipping class and the worst part was I had a new addiction to drugs. My parents caught on quickly, doing their best to support and help me out of this horrible stage, but I wanted nothing to do with them - nothing to do with the world because it seemed as though I was all alone. I finally closed my eyes, and counted to three - this was it. " One," I whispered, "two. . . three."
       I looked over, and there I saw it. A young boy, about the age of 18 or 19 standing on top of the bridge - I knew it could only mean one thing. My brain became foggy, and I slammed the breaks of my car! What was he doing?! How could a boy so young give up his life like that? I remember being of that age, loving every single moment and watching as this young boy was about to give everything up. I began running, towards him, screaming and shouting. I reached my hand in efforts to pull him back, but he was gone, just like that, swallowed whole by the great waves.   

R E F L E C T I O N
Throughout my flash fiction I want to illustrate to readers the difference between perceptions. When the boy was looking back at his life he looked at it as being his worst nightmare and was prepared to give up his life. From the day his parents announced their divorce, his perception on life had been nothing but negative which influenced his bad behavior. However, the man trying to save this young boy's life viewed his childhood being much more happier and exciting. When he saw this boy jumping off the bridge he was shocked because the way he grew up impacted his life positively and did not understand what the young boy was going through...