IAIN KELLY

THE PHILOSOPHICAL DIVIDE

One side of the building faced out onto the street. From the window, she watched the world pass her by. Her view was constantly changing – different people, cars, buildings, all came and went over the decades. It was enough for her to watch and admire. She sat, content.

The other side of the building faced out onto the alley. From the window, he could see the fire escape and the brick wall of the neighbouring house. His view never changed, nothing happened. He yearned for more than this. One day, he decided to join the world. He opened the window and climbed down the fire escape.

Copyright Lisa Fox

Written for Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

To read more stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

‘The State Trilogy’ and ‘The Barra Boy’ available now.

62 responses to “THE PHILOSOPHICAL DIVIDE”

  1. Sadje Avatar

    Nicely done Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Sadje Avatar

        My pleasure

        Liked by 1 person

  2. authorfleurl Avatar

    Freedom! Now to start discovering new views. Nicely done Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Like

      1. authorfleurl Avatar

        You’re welcome 😊

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Reena Saxena Avatar

    Love the attitude.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Reena

      Liked by 1 person

  4. neilmacdon Avatar

    Clever story, Iain. The one offered the pretty view is really the one trapped

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Neil, glad that came through

      Like

  5. Anita Avatar

    We must decide what we wanna see!
    Smart story.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Anita

      Like

  6. rochellewisoff Avatar

    Dear Iain,

    You have me wondering who these two are. I hope he finds what he’s looking for. Well written.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Rochelle

      Like

  7. James Avatar

    I suspect “escape” will be a common theme for many of these stories. Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks James

      Like

  8. Liz H Avatar

    Finding just the right amount of activity for one’s own needs & own opportunities is tricky. These two may not be as far apart as it seems, at first blush!
    Clever work!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Liz, I guess so long as you are happy, then all is well 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

    She was contented, he sought more. We can only hope he found the life he hoped for.

    My flat has a busy street at the front and an alley at the back so I have the best of both worlds!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Perfect, depending on your mood! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Mason Bushell Avatar

    I’ve been out there, I think I’d recommend staying indoors! Well done, Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Definitely times when it’s better to stay out of the way! Thanks Mason

      Like

      1. Mason Bushell Avatar

        Agreed, you’re welcome.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Dawn M. Miller Avatar

    I read the title to this last and then it all came together. Good one Iain.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  12. CGraith Avatar

    Interesting contrast! Two very different people & perspectives.

    Liked by 1 person

  13. Michael Humphris Avatar
    Michael Humphris

    Two very different minds sets, so clearly outlined in so few words

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Michael

      Like

  14. creatingahome Avatar

    Funny the one who saw so much ventured little.
    Probably overwhelming prospects.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Yes, sometimes the world can be very overwhelming.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. creatingahome Avatar

        It can indeed Iain.

        Liked by 1 person

  15. Rowena Avatar

    Great story, Iain. Appealed to my philosophical side.
    Best wishes,
    Rowena

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thanks Rowena 🙂

      Like

  16. Alicia Jamtaas Avatar

    I enjoyed the two different perspectives, one person’s content, and the other needs more. For some reason, I find it interesting that the sedentary person is female and the curious character is male. Thanks for making me wonder.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you. I hadn’t thought to much about that, but then I wonder why I didn’t!

      Liked by 1 person

  17. plaridel Avatar

    no right or wrong here. both had dealt with their circumstances differently. as maya angelou would say, “if you don’t like something, change it. if you can’t change it, change your attitude.”

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you – wise words!

      Liked by 1 person

  18. granonine Avatar

    Well. THAT is certainly thought-provoking! We all have choices, right? Act, or don’t act. Good one.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Linda 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Laurie Bell Avatar

    Sounds like a covid story. Stuck at home looking out, missing what’s going on outside, yearning for what your don’t have. Sad.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Interesting, I hadn’t thought of it that way, but you are right!

      Like

  20. Nobbinmaug Avatar

    I think balance is the key. You don’t have to be a part of everything, but you can’t let it all pass you by either.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar
  21. msjadeli Avatar

    She saw it all and was happy with it. He saw nothing and wanted more. Feels like real life, the things that keep us happy and the things that move us to act.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. msjadeli Avatar

        You’re welcome!

        Liked by 1 person

  22. poetisatinta Avatar

    Three cheers for freedom 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Something to treasure!

      Liked by 1 person

  23. issababycreates Avatar

    Nice to see the different perspectives. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Liz Young Avatar

    It’s all dependant on how you look at the world.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Exactly. Thanks Liz

      Like

  25. Patricia Clair Avatar
    Patricia Clair

    Such a neat take on this…!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you Patricia!

      Like

  26. athling2001 Avatar

    Well done. I’m glad he decided to climb down the fire escape and not fly.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      That could have been disastarous!

      Like

  27. britcanwrites Avatar

    Good contrast. I’m glad he broke free. Now, she needs to. Nice one.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

      Thank you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  28. Tannille Avatar

    Hello, freedom. I wonder what they will find…

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Iain Kelly Avatar

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