One of my short stories

He knew they were in trouble.  He saw the look of fear in her eyes and all he could do was offer encouragement.  “Come on, Mom.  You can do it.  It can’t be much further.”  She was not as confident and the strain was showing.  He had tried earlier to cajole her with humor but the time for levity was long past.

 

She knew her limitations and she struggled to keep pace.  When they had originally set out on that cold December day, neither of them could have anticipated the twist of fate that would alter their plans and bring them to such a test of endurance.  Mother and son, facing the elements of nature – on their own.

 

And so they continued.  He took the lead and around each bend, they faced yet another disappointment.  How had they become so lost?  He had experience in similar circumstances and had led many others through rough terrain, always offering a positive word, a reassuring smile.  This time it was different.  This time it was not planned and neither of them was adequately prepared.  Her shoes did not provide the support she needed and on occasion she had stumbled.  Fortunately, she had not fallen.  They both feared that if she did, the will to stop would be stronger than the will to press forward. 

 

He looked over his shoulder. In spite of the cold, he could see that the effort she was making had caused moisture to form on her forehead and, at her temples, her hair was damp.  The wind whipped dry leaves around their feet and they crackled and crumbled beneath their step.  Her lips were just as dry and parched.  They had begun to crack and he, too, realized he needed water.  Why had they left it in the car?  He berated himself for his failure to plan ahead.  “I can’t let myself dwell on that now!”  It was too late for personal recriminations.  He searched the sky and was relieved to see thick, dark clouds forming with an ominous look of rain.

 

Neither of them had brought adequate provisions.  She clutched a small bag close to her chest as she struggled to keep her coat closed. While the button less coat was stylish, she felt foolish now at the naiveté of her choice.  No water, no food and the charge on the batteries of their respective cellular phones had long since faded.  Why hadn’t they called when there was still a possibility they could guide someone to their location?  It was pride.  Both had been convinced they could walk out of this maze.

 

The son had recognized early they were lost but rather than retrace their steps he had encouraged her to keep moving forward.  Each turn had brought another disappointment when the landscape remained unfamiliar.

 

The mother stayed quiet but she mentally chided herself for the sedentary life she lived.  She did not walk much and now every fiber in her screamed for rest.  What had possessed her to start out on this miscalculated outing?  It all seemed so simple and yet, they were so engrossed in their conversation neither one had recognized the wrong turns they had made along the way. 

 

As they rounded the next bend, her spirit was buoyed.  She saw familiar landscapes and realized that the end of the trail was near.  She hobbled faster and her son, now relieved to see the end in sight, teased her unmercifully.  “Look at you – breathing so hard!  Come on!!”  He laughed and she smiled.  It was almost over.

 

The next time they went shopping at the mall, she would pay attention to where they parked!

 

 

 

Original story by Donna aka Dust Bunny Protector, December 2006

Tags: Mother, son, lost, fear