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11.3.21

ON THE EDGE

 

ON THE EDGE

Katherine stood at the very edge of the beach, the ebb and flow of the moonlit sea echoing her emotions. Each retreating wave dragged shingle from beneath her feet, and she fought to keep her balance, just as her mind struggled to maintain equilibrium in its turmoil of thoughts.

How could things have gone so wrong? 

She was briefly tempted to let the sea take her, but when the seventh wave knocked her over she scrambled up and back – back to life without him, back to prove she could do it alone. 

No man was worth her death.

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Back in my distant adolescence I lived near the sea, and took long moody walks on the beach, thinking how guilty the people in my life would feel if I drowned. That was the nearest I came to contemplating suicide - a passing thought - and telling my family about it would have been inappropriate and cruel.

I am aware that some people in other countries believe every word that is reported about England. The media are only interested in the sensational, of course - there is nothing newsworthy in real public service, performed for decades, without any thought as to how photogenic it is. I am proud to be British and a royalist and, despite their faults, our Royal family is respected and envied in many countries.

28 comments:

  1. I like the way you make the environment mirror her feelings

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  2. Very few men are worth very much, let alone death.

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    1. That's a little too sweeping for me, as I know some very nice men, but I've also encountered some not worth a thought, let alone a life!

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  3. Yay for her, knowing NO ONE is worth dying over...

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  4. The seventh wave was sent to deliver a message. Nice one Liz.

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  5. She came back from despair which says a lot about her strength.
    Dperession and suicide are subjects that still needs more dialog.
    Nicely penned ... Be Safe �� … Isadora ��

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    1. You're right about the need to talk - they have been taboo subjects for toomlong.

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  6. good for her. she was born alone, she can live on her own.

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  7. Yet for some people it seems impossible.

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  8. It's fascinating the psychological effect the ocean has on people. Thoughts can be squashed or invoked.

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    1. I really miss the sea. When we're allowed out properly I shall drive down and walk along the promenade.

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  9. I'm glad her innate toughness won out, Liz! Great storytelling. And I'm with you about the royal family. Everything coming out of the media these days is suspect.

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    1. I rather liked Piers Morgan's comments, though he went a step too far!

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  10. Yeah! So glad she made it back and did not give in. Well written! I have to say, I have always admired the royal family. You should be proud. :-)

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  11. A lot of strength there, and the ability to look forward when to look backward would have been the easy way out.

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    1. Just watching the sea calmed her enough to see things clearly.

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  12. This is Gah Learne. Sorry, I'm having trouble with Blogspot.
    Great atmosphere, I can smell the sea. Good for her to be able to work her way back. Not everyone is so lucky.

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    1. Glad I was able to conjure up the smell for you!

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  13. Dear Liz,

    Good for her. No one...no man...is worth dying for. Well done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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  14. I'm glad she came to her senses. I also appreciate your sharing in the afterword.

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  15. Loved the story. there is something about large bodies of water that tends to cause one to pause... to think about life and all it's complexities. So glad that you found your footing in the shifting sands. I don't believe the media reports very much. thank you for sharing your perspective.

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