Another Statistic

Here is a fiction piece I wrote to include in Dude Writes October Flash Fiction challenge. The rules are, a maximum of 500 words, and using this month’s prompt of “When I saw it, I nearly cried…”

I hope you enjoy it.


Walking through unfamiliar territory can get to you, getting turned around and not knowing where you are can tie a knot in your stomach, the knot is there and just how the hell do I get out of here?

I was doing well this morning, my wife left me gathering our new camping gear, I actually waved as she walked away, I grabbed my tools and turned to see she had vanished.

I did the only thing I could, rather than leave it all behind I gathered up all of the equipment and began to walk, I started in the direction she had gone and called her name.

She was nowhere in sight and I didn’t recognize the area, strange sights and sounds added to my fear, the knot tightened and I began to feel that I was walking in circles, I was definitely lost, this was not a good sign, many men have died in these situations, and I really didn’t want to become another statistic.

I tried to slow down my breathing, the gasps told me I was beginning to hyperventilate, it was already late afternoon and I didn’t want to be here after sundown, I had to find my way out because she had to have gone the way we came in.

Nothing was familiar to me, I was suddenly in a strange land, I climbed on top of things to get a better view, I was no better off than when I started, all of the equipment was beginning to get heavy, the only choice I had was to leave it all behind.

I dropped the tent first, then the lantern, the last to go was my precious tools, empty handed I began to run, my yelling went unanswered and strange eyes all around caused me to panic, the worst thing I could do was panic.

Water I need water, why the hell can’t you find water when you need it, how long does it take for a man to thirst to death? It would be nice if a water fountain conveniently popped up.

Stop and look around Jimmy, get your bearings, look for landmarks, you can do it, use your head, if she found her way out so can you.

And all of a sudden there it was, and when I saw it I nearly cried, I had found my way out, the Exit sign showed me the door, this is why I hate going to the mall.

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This post was awarded the Flash Mob Card in the October Flash Fiction challenge over at Dude Write.