I lit out for the coast searching for serenity. I had no idea if it would be there or not, but it sure as hell wasn’t where I was coming from so I had nothing to lose.
Hitch-hiking across the country wasn’t for me. I’m not a people person and the thought of making small talk filled me with dread. I huddled up against the cold as I stowed away on freight trains and managed to hide in the back of a couple of truck trailers. So long as they were heading east I was going in the right direction and leaving my troubles behind.
The further I went the calmer I felt. The weight of what I had left behind lifted from my shoulders. I kept an eye on newspapers and saw no mention of me, but the nationals wouldn’t care about me anyway. The local papers might have my disappearance on the front page, the upcoming trial was a big deal, but I couldn’t get local papers out here.
A lot of people would criticise me for running away. They would say I should have stayed to fix the problems I had helped make and they are probably right, but I never claimed to be a strong person. I’m weak and a coward and I have no problem admitting it. I definitely wasn’t cut out to be a dealer, even a small-time one, and get involved with those kind of people.
Who would find me first? The dealers or the police? Tomorrow I was meant to be in court and name names. I’m no informer. Either of them might go for my girl and my son in revenge. I told them to get out but she wouldn’t listen to me, same as always. I figure so long as I am out the way they will be alright in the end.
So it’s just me and the clear blue sea and the clouded blue sky. I could stand here and wait. I will hear footsteps on the pebble beach as they approach me. I will hear the click of the gun being cocked and I will welcome the serenity that the bullet will bring. I’ll just be glad it’s all over.

This is a response to the #writephoto Prompt: Serenity curated over at Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo. Click on the link to read other stories inspired by the image.
36 responses to “A SEARCH FOR THE SERENE”
A very affecting story. I like the way you invoke the serenity, first through getting away, and then by the final solution.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Eugenia. Hope you are well 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, I’m doing great. In fact, I’m getting ready for a plane trip, which is why I haven’t been participating much. This will be interesting 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well that certainly took a turn at the end. Unfortunately, stories with this outcome are more common than not. At least he didn’t die in the streets where he dealt. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Lisa. Yes, he managed to find a last moment of peace.
LikeLiked by 1 person
His peace came at the ultimate price.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would like to read more of this story.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Sadje
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh no! I guess running has to end sometime. I hope the boy is okay. That is the scary part when family members are victims of something they never did.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, but I don’t think he can ever run far enough to escape his past!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting thoughts prompted from this photo and interesting perspective of a character and situation. I can see the photo could look either peaceful or moody.
I don’t think I would be any good at writing flash fiction. I have a hard time writing compactly. I do have one short story (not flash fiction) published as an ebook, but most of my attempts to write short stories turn into novels in progress. 😛 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha, well it does take a bit of practice, and it is a useful tool to help you edit and write only what is needed to tell your story, which I definitely feel has helped my novel writing over the last couple of years. Hope you will give it a try 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a story!! Makes me want to know more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
An interesting tale, Iain. Your dealer seems to have a heart and a conscience, regardless of his self-avowed cowardice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s more than some for sure, even if it hasn’t helped him escape his fate in the end.
LikeLike
Lets hope that protects his loved ones.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A compelling story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
[…] Continue reading at Iain Kelly […]
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I didn’t see that coming.
He finds peace before his own death – powerful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Felicia
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! Powerful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awaiting his end and seeking serenity that the bullet will bring!!! His thoughts are so well placed through the tale. Wonder what happened further…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so well written, sadly you have captured the desperation that more people we want to admit find themselves in 💜💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Seems he got in too deep and sees no way out. A soulful piece indeed Iain.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Keith
LikeLiked by 1 person
Shoot that was powerful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Laura
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] Iain Kelly […]
LikeLike