Some time ago I wrote this little 100 word story. It’s seen a bit of rejection and has yet to find a home. A couple days ago I was reminded of it when my husband and I scaled the winding and wooden stairs of Bald Head Island Lighthouse. I am not even remotely fond of heights or confined spaces, combine the two and I’m usually not too interested. The idea of not missing out on an amazing opportunity or fantastic adventure will typically outweigh any fears I may have. All of that having been said, this super short story is quite on the nose. Enjoy!
Half the Battle
“One foot at a time,” she coaxed herself, willing the fear away. Just don’t look down was on repeat in her head. She’d come too far to see this lighthouse. It wasn’t enough to look up from the seawall and the caretaker had generously offered her the opportunity to walk up its cast iron stairs, to look upon the ocean from its catwalk.
In a careless moment of relief, as her feet found the landing, Rachel glimpsed the dizzying spiral she’d traversed and the tiny dot of floor far below. Nausea washed over her. How the hell was she getting down?