Friday Fictioneers and again a challenge in terms of a picture, this week taken by Rich Voza. This seemingly endless corridor inspired me after a nights sleep to write the following story. In the back of my mind was the Library of Babel, by Jorge Luis Borge, one of the best short stories ever written in my mind.
Go to Rochelle Wissof-Fields page for excellent entries, or add your own, either there or by click on the little widget below.
I never knew my name, but I call myself Jorge.
Every night a different dining room, where we eat and sleep. We talk in hushed voices, and I’ve heard rumors about the exit.
In the mornings I walk yet another 2.3 miles.
I lost count of my time here at 10541 days. But I know I’m no longer young as the short daily walk is getting more and more difficult.
I sit down for a brief rest, but I know I will never take another step.
Just as my eyes begin to dim I see the stairs.
—
December 6, 2012
Björn Rudbergs writings 
Escape in sight finally…nicely done
Unfortunately too late 😦
Hmmmm. I’m a little confused, but I DO like the story.
It is confusing to spend your life in infinity…
Ooohh, I like this a lot. But sad, it’s too late for her. I like the depth you’ve created in such a short space. Nice job!
Thank you 🙂
So close, but yet so far 8^)
Thank you 🙂
Amazing, eerie, a wonderful interpretation of the photo prompt. I always love your take on it, Bjorn!
My inspiration for this is one of the best short stories ever written. “The Library of Babel” by Jorge Luis Borge. I changed the name to Jorge in my story to reflect that,
Great take on the prompt!
Thank you Sandra
Hi Björn,
Jan has the right word. Eerie. Devastatingly so. Good job.
Shalom,
Rochelle
As I wrote to Jan, my inspiration from Jorge Luis Borges… but just losely.
Always just a little farther away…
yes indeed.. are the corridors endless or not.
damn so close. 29 years? wow. well done.
At least 29 years… A dreadful end.
oh no! That close and then nothing?? I feel for him.
Life sucks.. I think the stair only appears to the dying.
Superb – those last 2 lines are the difference between suspense and surprise…you left us in suspense..even after the ending of the story – masterful…
Thank you. Enjoyed writing the story
Needs a soundtrack, Stairway to Heaven maybe? Well done, Bjorn.
Perfect Pete.
I really like this story – I got a similar feeling from the picture- that the corridor might go on forever and I’d never get out.
I think the corridor might end in another corridor…
Sort of like being stuck in that spinning wheel in a hamster cage. Well done, Bjorn.
Life is a lot like being stuck in a hamster weel
oh Borges…(sigh). Oh Borges. the “Library” has to be one of the bestest everest… glad it infuses you… and nice work here.
Thank you, and the universe that some call the library is a great influence.
Hi Bjorn,
Great premise, lost in the maze, real sense of desperation, and then you give the reader a little hope at the end. Well done! Ron
Thank you 😉
Now, an old man, hostage, or patient? And he falls into abyss? Or into a deep sleep and a nightmare and doesn’t wake up? A frightful ending.
Well, the story can be read as a metaphor also. A meaningless life looking for an exit that only appears until you die.
Yes, I can see that too. I didn’t quite get that connection at first, but certainly makes sense for this character, as there are so many I’m sure that can relate to that, sadly.
The ultimate exit. Very well done.
Thank you 🙂
Is this metaphorical exit from life?
I like the way you wrote it though not quite sure if I got it right?
Yes, it is a metaphor, or it could be read as an eerie fantasy.
In spite of a sense of futility, there does seem to be an element of hope in the appearance of the stairs–at least it’s a change. Thought-provoking story.
Thank you. The story formed in the back of my head for 24 hours. Usually for me they come out best that way.
I liked this in many ways, from the first line to he last.
Thank you Ted 🙂
Brudberg,
I got the same feeling from this prompt….going on forever. There is only one way out of life and it always shows up at the end. Well done.
Tom
Thank you.. endless corridors are a subject of nightmares. But just maybe they are the only reality.
Dear Bjorn,
I was told I ‘must read’ your story this week by two other authors. Good to hear, huh? I can see why they told me that. Your story was very well written and had me thinking about jim being reborn into another hallway. Endless cycles. Hindu flashbacks perhaps.
Aloha,
Doug
Thank you, and so happy my story was a must read. Indeed the stair might lead to the next level. We will never know, at least not in 100 words.
I feel sorry for him…sounds like he lived a futile life, managed to find some release in his old age…but too late. Great take on the prompt, Bjorn.
Unfortunately that is the sad state of many people’s life..
Very sad.
The writing carries the sadness throughout.
Sad and meaningless as life could be, and then even death is a disapointment.
one good thing, having to eat/sleep in a different dining room every night… 😉
the short story you mentioned, Library of Babel, by Jorge Luis Borge, sounds interesting…i hope to read it someday.
enjoyed your story…thank you. 🙂
Oh Yes, he finally found the exit!! (I wish my heroine could of) so this makes up for it! 😉