Gareth was forever getting first in things at high school. He got a book for getting the highest mark in his class for Chemistry. He had to walk up onto the stage at school assembly and accept the book. The only trouble was that once he hit the stage he forgot how to walk. His right arm would go forward on the same stride as his right leg. He walked like he was at the beach and his underwear was full of sand.
Everyone laughed. They thought he was putting it on; everyone that is except for the headmaster and teachers. They thought he was making fun of the Chemistry prize.
This happened every time Gareth went on stage which was quite often. In the end the teachers said that if he was going to abuse the privilege of winning they’d give the prize to someone else. Gareth had one more chance. Unfortunately the same thing happened. He forgot how to walk naturally. He thought too much how he should walk properly and it messed him up.
Anyway, why should he bother getting first in things? He had acne. He didn’t have a girlfriend like everyone else. He hadn’t learnt to drive a car like everyone else. He still rode a pushbike to school.
No one could work out why he did himself in. It was such a shame. He was so clever.
Wonderful. Where did it begin with, Garreth? Or is the story just beginning?
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Thank you. I often like to leave some stories up in the air. Readers can finish (or start) them themselves.
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Such was life.
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He had to take it in his stride.
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Poor Gareth, and he had the whole world at his wobbly feet.
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Did he walk off a cliff or a bridge? Oh never mind…he couldn’t do that.
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He walked off into the sunset.
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Very slowly
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I hate it when I get sand in my underwear.
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It’s especially awful when you’re in the ostrich enclosure at the zoo.
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Umm.
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I like this one very much
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Thank you Sylvie. Are you freezing down in Nelson? It’s freezing cold in Taranaki and even with the fire going I can’t get warm. I’ll have to have a wine!
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You know Bruce, the old say in Nelson is ” anothzr day in paradise”. Well, not so much lately, with the rain. I had to use the dryer, for the first time, since I have been in Nelson ( sometimes i do, but it is not weather related). However, the sun is out, trying to make Dan (from tv1 ) wrong
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I can imagine what the other students were thinking (loser)!
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Exactly!
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How are you doing, Bruce? I imagine you are very frustrated with your vision. I hope the cataract surgery comes soon!
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I opted to go for the “free” operation paid by His Majesty’s government in their good time. They certainly know what is meant by “in their good time”. I ‘m partly doubtful that it will get done this year. However it has got a lot worse. Now would be the time for someone to challenge me to a game of billiards! Thanks for asking Noelle.
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If it is a lot worse, you’d better tell them or you will need to learn Braille. Or maybe shell out for the surgery. My sympathy!
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Just try remembering how to walk whilst you’re doing it. You’ll find you can’t!
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Yes – the story was partly autobiographical – not the suicide but the walking!
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The darnedest thing, isn’t it?
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The ending quote from the most excellent ‘Waterland’ movie are just like your stories. ‘They never ended well. There was always blood and horror. Sadness and despair. I said to him once, don’t you know any stories that have a happy ending? (Paraphrased). He said nope! He said if I was ever to find one, should be sure to let him no’
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Thanks for the link. I didn’t know the movie and shall seek it out.
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The ending part is enough to get the gist. I think the whole movie is on You Tube. Thanks Bruce.
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Do we see a sinister college shooter in works?
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