FFfAW

Dec 11, 2018Dec 11, 2018Keith's Ramblings

Jack was always a risk-taker. As a kid, he’d climb the highest up trees, walk along walls, dash across busy roads rather than wait. And so it was as he grew up.

He applied for a new job. Why? He was already earning a fortune. Risk management of all things. It worked out well, as usual. An eye-watering salary, a company Merc.

We went to a casino. Jack was sitting before a huge pile of chips. ‘Quit while you’re ahead’ I said. But no, he pushed them forward and the pile grew higher.

‘One for the road’ he said swallowing yet another scotch.

Driving home, he went faster and faster. My knuckles whitened as I gripped the seat. I don’t remember anything else. I was lucky to get away relatively unscathed. Not so Jack.

‘There’s one thing we could try’ said the surgeon ‘but it doesn’t come without risks’.

‘Go ahead’ said Jack, scratching his signature on the consent form.

As I watched the sun go down from the hospital window, the sun set on Jack’s life. It had been a risk too far.

Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers is hosted by Priceless Joy. The picture is by Jodi McKinney. Thank you.

Iain Kelly Dec 11, 2018 / 12:24

Burning brightly before dying out young. People are not good at knowing when to quit. Nice take Keith.

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- Keith's Ramblings Dec 12, 2018 / 11:39
  
  Some more so than others. Cheers Iain
  
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Violet Lentz Dec 11, 2018 / 14:06

Pushed the envelope just a bit too far.. Sounds like a life well lived though…..

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- Keith's Ramblings Dec 12, 2018 / 11:38
  
  He enjoyed it while it lasted.Thanks Violet.
  
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Woman walking Max Dec 11, 2018 / 15:23

Some risk necessary, some risk too far. Can make people charismatic I think. Nicely done.

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- Keith's Ramblings Dec 12, 2018 / 11:38
  
  So true. Thank you
  
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messymimi's meanderings Dec 11, 2018 / 18:45

Thus mama’s warnings — she has her reasons.

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- Keith's Ramblings Dec 12, 2018 / 11:35
  
  So true Mimi
  
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Jade M. Wong Dec 11, 2018 / 20:17

I suppose if we asked Jack, he would say that life wasn’t worth living without taking risks.

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- Keith's Ramblings Dec 12, 2018 / 11:35
  
  I’m sure many would agree with him. Thanks Jade.
  
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michael1148humphris Dec 11, 2018 / 22:52

I guess Jack thought. What will be will be. I wonder if he’s booked a cryogenic chamber

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- Keith's Ramblings Dec 12, 2018 / 11:32
  
  That wouldn’t surprise me! Thanks Michael
  
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anuragbakhshi Dec 12, 2018 / 05:41

That’s how it ends for all gamblers, unfortunately.

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- Keith's Ramblings Dec 12, 2018 / 11:31
  
  Sadly that is so. Thanks Anurag
  
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ttay213 Dec 13, 2018 / 03:13

Drinking and driving never ends up well! It’s just sad that addictions are sometimes unavoidable.

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- Keith's Ramblings Dec 13, 2018 / 10:20
  
  So true. Thanks for dropping by
  
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