The Bridge Of Alternatives
'Sometimes We See Others More Clearly Than Ourselves'
While I’m working on the guide, I’ve also been writing short stories; here’s one for you (below). This piece of fiction touches on the complexities of grief, loss, and the choice to move forward. It’s about finding hope amidst darkness, while also acknowledging the pain and struggles that come with it.
My newsletter focuses on personal growth, resilience, and ethical entrepreneurship. I believe this story fits well with these themes, about overcoming struggles and embracing change. Many entrepreneurs and creators face emotional and personal challenges, and this story may resonate with anyone who’s navigating grief or significant life transitions. I’ve been there, and I know all of us have, or will, face moments like this at some point in our lives.
In order to focus on healing and growth, it’s important to first be aware of our internal state.
I tend to see connections everywhere, and this story is no exception. In the next post, I’ll dive deeper into an analysis of that short fiction and on how we can move forward in the most authentic way possible. It’s about helping each of us reveal the ethical, true parts of ourselves; the entrepreneur or creator in us, but really it’s for anyone who wants to dig deeper. So, please bear with me, and read between the lines. 😉
Alex stood on the edge of the bridge, their heart pounding like a drum. Tears streamed down their cheeks, carried away by the wind until they vanished into the vast emptiness. They had made a decision: something had to change, and it would start now, with a step into the unknown. They had often walked across this bridge in the past, pausing to look over the edge, staring down at the river that resembled a shimmering snake. In those frozen moments, Alex sometimes cried, but their brother’s comforting words always whispered in their mind. They longed to feel alive, yet what did that even mean?
In that moment, their “old” self would vanish. Beyond the jump, Alex thought maybe they would be free of fears and doubts. Perhaps, in the paradox of these last few minutes, as they fell, Alex’s life would make sense. This would be the ultimate moment to truly feel alive, to experience something that was theirs and theirs alone. Was this what it felt like to be born into this world? The thought flickered briefly in Alex’s mind but didn’t linger. As fear began to creep in once more, their hand tightened around the harness.
Alex rushed down the stairs from their flat, almost falling on the concrete steps. They were determined not to miss the bus to work. Bursting out of the lobby, they glanced up at the sky, where the rain hammered down. Like yesterday, the world was barely visible through this icy water. Alex paused, pulled their hair back, and tugged their hoodie over their head, then raced toward the bus stop. After waiting a minute or two, they stepped onto a bus that quickly vanished into the wet fog of the city.
At work, children were buzzing with excitement. Someone from an animal shelter was coming with rabbits. Children clapped their hands and ran around with joy on their faces. Alex quietly watched the scene, wondering when they had lost that kind of happiness in their own life. Nothing seemed to penetrate the murkiness clouding their heart. They were grateful for their life, but the weight of tomorrow pressed heavily on them. It would be the same routine tomorrow; a mundane cycle with no meaning.
The animal shelter worker noticed Alex’s daydreaming. “You look like you could use an adventure!” she said, while handing them a leaflet about bungee jumping. Alex glanced at the leaflet and took it without much thought.
On their way home, Alex decided to walk. The rain had stopped, and the late afternoon seemed pleasant enough. Putting their hands in their pockets, the forgotten, glossy leaflet brushed over their dry hands. Staring at it for a while, with a growing sensation that it should be a fun activity, they made their final decision. After a quick phone call, they found out a spot was available over a weekend, just after New Year’s Day.
Their breath was deep and noticeable in the crisp January air. The instructor, securely attached behind Alex, rambled about safety measures in a steady tone that Alex found comforting. Alex’s eyes fluttered rapidly as they fought back tears. Looking down, the instructor’s words faded into the forest of pine trees beside the river. They tightly gripped the harness in front of them while a loud click echoed in their ears as they both fell in the open space.
All Alex could see were streaks of green and blue, tinted with gold from the shiny sun. They shut their eyes and let out a scream, but it was short-lived. Suddenly, a strange calm washed over Alex’s mind, and in that moment, they saw their older brother’s smiling face saying in a soft but clear tone of voice: “All is well. I’m with you, always.”
The bungee cord bounced back and forth while Alex’s face was brightened by tears. The instructor called out, asking if they were okay, having heard them sobbing. But these were tears of relief after seeing their brother, although he was long gone. It was then that Alex realised they had been clutching their sibling’s medallion the entire time.
A gentle breeze caressed their red cheeks, carrying the sweet scent of pine trees. Released from the instructor in what seemed like a wild forest, Alex’s legs wobbled as they tried to walk toward the bridge. With each step pressed into the dry, wintery soil, Alex felt the weight of guilt begin to lift; the guilt of wanting to move on from their brother’s death.
After that experience, Alex decided to walk home instead of taking the bus. The journey would take around two hours, but time wasn’t essential at that moment. They let the forest guide them. Trees felt like Alex’s new companions and while taking a deep breath in, a decision formed in their mind.
Arriving at their tiny apartment, they reached into their pockets for keys, which jingled like enchanted bells. As they closed the front door, the silence of their living space captivated Alex. For once, their mind was quiet too. They made their way to the bedroom, switched on the lights, and lay down on their bed for a few minutes. Their entire being felt hot and sweaty from the long walk. Their warm, smiling eyes gazed at the yellowed, decrepit ceiling, soothed by the stillness of the moment. Once more, their brother’s face appeared, smiling softly. They rolled over and reached for their phone. As it rang for a while, Alex then spoke to their manager, who with a surprised tone, accepted their decision to leave their job.
“Yes Betty, it’s a fresh start!”
I’m still waiting for someone to hand me over a leaflet to bungee jump! 😂 What about you? Have you ever tried it? If yes, how was it?? Let me know in the comments!