Courage

A while back there was a contest for flash fiction that I entered. What is flash fiction you ask? It's a short, very brief, story written for impact with the implication that there might be more there than meets the eye. This is what I came up with and I won! 

As I read it again, I think of our children, now grown, and their courage to move through life and all its challenges. 

And I can't help but think of who that Father is standing in the water waiting to catch this child. 

COURAGE

One foot found the bottom step hidden just below the water’s surface. He paused, peeked around the ladder for assurance and then began the climb. Each step took him closer to the top and further from the security he knew.

The water below was dark, foreboding. He swallowed hard. Would his racing heart pound its escape through his chest?

He stopped at the pinnacle. It looked a lot higher from here. Carefully he positioned himself atop the warm metal and sat down. He hugged the bar next to him, arms aching from the pressure.

This was the moment. One last thought surged through his mind. He could return the way he had come. But, no. They were all there. Waiting. Watching.

His eyes turned to his father who stood waist deep in the water.

It was okay. Daddy had his arms open wide.

He let go.