© Ayr/Gray
‘Please can I have my life back,’ she said. ‘Is it too much to ask?’
She can stride around the garden and she can run up and down the stairs, several times.
She’s so fit but she can’t go out.
But there’s no one. No one at all.
Quiet, very quiet, she thinks.
She looks at the big door; the one that opens in the street, and she looks back in the hall, for a moment.
Then slowly, very slowly, she opens the door, just a tiny crack.
She opens a little more – a creaking sound – then nothing.
She looks out, staring left and right.
‘Shall I come out?’
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Posted for The Unicorn Challenge, a magical challenge hosted by Jenne Gray and C E Ayr, where they provide a photo and we, in turn, provide up to 250 words.

Very brave and perhaps this time she can step foot outside into the street (Agoraphobia?)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Could be…😉
Thanks, Di.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Break on through to the other side!
So sings Jim and The Doors.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect! Thanks, Liz.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just thought she would step out, and there, she has her life back: She Is Free!
However, very mysterious…😉🤗🤙💖
PS: the owner of the video didn’t allow it to be played in Germany!😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess she could go either way, but I prefer she gets her freedom😉🤗💛
Sorry about the video. Maybe ‘The Clash’ are too British?🤔 What a pity – I saw them back in 1979!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You built the tension beautifully and even at the end there was the sense of indecision! I do hope she has the courage to flee!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I’m hoping that too! Thanks, Val.
LikeLike
An interesting story …. great music 💜
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m glad that you enjoyed that, Willow💛
LikeLike
I did 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope she has the courage leave Chris. If she stays their trouble will be “double.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I think you’re right! Thanks, Darnell.
LikeLike
Perhaps she should try at least! A suspenseful story
LikeLiked by 1 person
Let’s hope so! Thank you, Sadje💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re always welcome Chris 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
best thing about doors: they are creatures of perspective. One person’s closing is another’s opening.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly! – in or out – where are we..?
LikeLike
Tightly written and tense, Chris, leaving us wondering…
And the inimitable Joe Strummer, always a real treat!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, CE – shame about JS since his not around anymore, but still wonderful!
LikeLike
Come out, come out, wherever you are.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Let’s hope to!
LikeLike
As soon as I saw the title of your post, “Should I Stay or Should I Go” started playing in my head. I always like The Clash. A lot. Of course I had to watch the video! I loved your microfiction story. I’m answering the speaker’s question with a yes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad that you enjoyed that! Thanks, Liz!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Chris!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my word, I love this one! I immediately thought of you “coming back” after your stroke. The phrase “Please can I have my life back” evokes so many emotions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, you got it completely right. That was/is me. Thank you for everything, Debra. 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love this, Chris.
You’re the only person who used the door for coming out, and I read the first line as you speaking.
There’s a build up of courage as the story goes on.
And ‘Yes, yes – please come out!’ is what I want to shout.
A beautiful piece.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Jenne.
LikeLike
Beautiful and touching, Chris! Yes, come out 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Susan! 😊🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoyed the mystery in the story, but I do hope that freedom is the ultimate result. :-) An intriguing story, Chris.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, thanks so much, Diana.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a dilemma – perfectly able to ‘come out’ yet held back by only fear, I suspect. This could apply to so many people who fear to move out, or on, into challenging territory. I can feel the torment of her indecisive state.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A dilemma is always difficult, isn’t it?
Thank you, Margaret
LikeLiked by 1 person
She went out and had a great time 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, let’s hope so. Thanks, Maria.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Chris, this is intriguing and open to interpretation. For me, it is about sharing ideas with society – should I or shouldn’t I? Especially if they are not main stream.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good point, Robbie – there are several different interpretations in this one.
LikeLike
My pleasure
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect song for this, I wonder, come out maybe but I remember the Butch Cassidy movie…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, good one – Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid – I can see that last scene…
LikeLike
Great story, Chris and love the song pairing💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Cindy!💛
LikeLike
I almost missed this one–I LOVE it! Am I correct that the person speaking has agoraphobia? Or totally wrong?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, V. It could be agoraphobia, although I’ve left it a bit open (as usual for me)😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
That door gives me so many dark feelings. I think I’d peep and go in too but I’d first update my will.😅 Loved your piece, Chris.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent – and you made be laugh! Thanks so much, Jude😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure, Chris.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Going out after any type of recovery can be tricky. But this piece reminds me more of a curious child left to fend for themselves. Lovely door. Historical?
LikeLiked by 1 person
So many questions in that huge old door… that was great fun.
Thanks, Jules!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reminds me of some doors I saw years ago in Fiuggi, Italy (Very old town).
LikeLiked by 1 person