Drabble #2: "Second Flight"

More 100 word fiction with a climbing theme (sequel to "First Flight")


Second Flight
by Alex Roddie

Something moves in the abyss.

Rocks fall, echoing from one vertical plane to the next. A raven takes wing from his perch and floats on the updraught, head darting side to side, eyes capturing the movement far beneath. Flecks of snow drift down on the crystal air.

Looking down from the ledge, unfathomable depths are mine alone. John is long gone, set loose by my flight from the upper flake crack. I coil the rope and wait.

A harsh sound disturbs my calm: helicopter. It comes for me but I don't want it. This peace is mine alone.

Drabble #1: "First Flight"

A Drabble is defined as a work of fiction less than 100 words in length. Here is my first attempt:

First Flight


What if I let go?

Below, the wall echoes and grasps at my weakening body. Gravity is undeniable. I begin to realise that my attempt to cheat it will end in failure.

My arms scream. Calves shake from the effort of standing on an edge the width of a pencil. The rope curves down, singing in space with the wind, forty metres to the ledge where John freezes, scared, hopeful still.

But I can't climb this pitch. Calm washes over me. There is a perfect freedom in what I am about to do.

I close my eyes and jump.