FLASH FICTION:-- HORROR, SCI-FI, HUMOUR, CRIME, SLICE OF LIFE, ETC.

Friday, 5 October 2012

A problem solved


I stared long and hard at the wretch before me.

The watery, bloodshot eyes stared back.

I took in the scarlet cheeks, the purple-veined nose and the drawn expression. The look of depression, depravation, addiction and despair.

A face that said it had given up, accepted its lot, and in its alcohol-addled logic had stupidly decided that its state of health and state of affairs weren't too bad.

“You really need to give up drinking.” I said.

We both nodded together at the wisdom of these words.

“You're a wreck, and I'm sick of telling you that you need to do something about it.”

Again we nodded in unison, there was such an undeniable truth here.

“Make this the last time we have this conversation, and tomorrow DO something about it!”

Again the nod.

I turned away from my reflection and staggered to the chair, sat down heavily.

I picked up the glass of JD, raised it in the air. “ Here's to tomorrow, the day I'm gonna DO something about this state of affairs.”

I brought the glass to my lips and took a heavy slug. Felt the liquid burn its way down.

Yeah, tomorrow I would do something about it alright, the first thing in the afternoon when I wake up I'm gonna throw that goddam mirror in the bin.


©2012 Stephen. J. Green.
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20 comments:

  1. Anonymous6 October 2012 at 01:01

    How many times have we scolded ourselves in the mirror. This guy looks quite nasty poor thing :)

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    Replies
    1. Steve Green6 October 2012 at 23:24

      Hi Brinda. Yeah, I think he should keep the mirror and throw the bottle into the bin. :-)

      Delete
  2. Peter Newman6 October 2012 at 08:40

    I like the title and the way its applied in the story.

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    Replies
    1. Steve Green6 October 2012 at 23:26

      Thanks Peter, in my own opinion this is definitely not one of my better pieces, but the idea amused me, and so I posted it.

      Delete
  3. John Wiswell7 October 2012 at 03:55

    This is me with snacks.

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    1. Steve Green7 October 2012 at 10:58

      Heheh! Chuck your mirror away John, and carry on snacking guiltlessly.

      Delete
  4. Li7 October 2012 at 11:10

    Interesting. In this case, the narrator is finally seeing reality in the mirror. I contrast that with someone who has, say, anorexia, who look in the mirror and sees "fat" while starving to death. Perception is a strange thing.

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    1. Steve Green7 October 2012 at 13:35

      Hiya Li, he may be seeing reality, but he's certainly not dealing with it, so much easier to chuck the object that is bringing home the truth (the mirror), than to actually accept he has a problem and tackle it.

      Although I did write this as a piece of humour, I do sympathise with the people who do suffer from anorexia and such, who look in the mirror and see "fat" while starving to death, one of the greatest hurdles for them is even realizing that something is wrong with them.

      Delete
  5. Cindy Vaskova7 October 2012 at 15:48

    Ain't that day always tomorrow?

    You've written a sad truth Steve, it is rather easy to throw away the truth and keep the lie in. I wonder would the narrator ever gain the strenght to put away that JD bottle.

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    1. Steve Green8 October 2012 at 21:33

      You're definitely right there Cindy, there's no time like tomorrow for giving up a vice, it's always a day away innit? :-)

      Delete
  6. Icy Sedgwick7 October 2012 at 16:23

    Nice turn around at the end - I thought the narrator was addressing someone else, not him/herself.

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    1. Steve Green8 October 2012 at 21:34

      Thanks Icy, them mirrors can really get in your face sometimes though, can't they? :-)

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  7. Deanna Schrayer7 October 2012 at 17:37

    Wow Steve, this is terrific, especially that last line. A sad story but humorous too, not easy to do, but you make it seem effortless.

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    1. Steve Green8 October 2012 at 21:36

      Hi Deanna, and thank you. It's that twisty little muse of mine that's responsible. :-)

      Delete
  8. Larry Kollar8 October 2012 at 03:19

    I liked this. It's so true. I've seen and heard very similar things from people around me… always "tomorrow." Tomorrow I'm going to take care of this problem. Now pass the JD!

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  9. Craig Smith8 October 2012 at 12:56

    JD is a good choice. And yes I have given myself many pep talks in the mirror too, but like our poor friend here I hardly ever listen!

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    1. Steve Green8 October 2012 at 21:38

      At least you won't get into trouble for ignoring yourself Craig.

      I've never drank JD, my tipple is usually beer, or Barcardi and coke, but I used the brand JD in the story as almost everyone recognizes the name.

      Delete
  10. Tim VanSant Writes10 October 2012 at 23:53

    The guy in my mirror almost never takes my advice.

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    1. Steve Green11 October 2012 at 10:55

      I know just how you feel Tim, I find it hard to get any sense from him at all sometimes, especially after a few drinks. :-)

      Delete

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