The Shot

As the majestic glow of the morning sun shimmered against the silky dew-drenched texture of the soft green grass, a lizard skittered across, kissing the surface as elegantly as an eagle soaring in the sky.

George lay motionless on the grit and sand that surrounded him, he lay oblivious to the awe inspiring surroundings, he was concentrating on the big lumbering oaf and his “bear like paws” that he had spent his years with, which he spent his life with, the oaf which he killed in cold blood; harmless, clueless and defenceless – something which will haunt George’s dreams and memories for many years to come; he will never forget that it was him – he killed Lennie Small.

A lot had happened since that tragic day.

George was bogged down in a swamp of drink, drugs and depression and it didn’t seem as if he was going to escape anytime soon.

He had lost his job along with his home and so called friends, but none of that bothered him, for his life was nothing without Lennie Small, the man who had been more than family to him for the past ten years.

The shot from the 9mm Luger that George fired into Lennie’s skull, its memory and sound, have been replayed and echo within his mind ever since it happened – and there was nothing he could do about it, Lennie was gone and was never coming back.

After having been ejected from the ranch, George had again been wandering aimlessly, sleeping rough in the brush where he and Lennie had first come.

The ranch had seemed be the starting point of all the misfortune, heartache and despair, it had brought him nothing but misery – yet he decided to return for one last time.

However, when he got there he did not find what he expected; what he had experienced just two short weeks ago. He found a ...

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...nged lunatic seeking assurance by confiding in himself, he said… “Look at me when I’m talkin’ to you” then fired a precise gunshot at Curley’s half broken skull.

It killed him. He was dead.

He then turned his attention to the ranch boss, “You” he hollered “You, it was your ranch which started all this mess in the firs’ place”

He then pointed his gun at him and continued to talk.

“Maybe you deserve to die too? Maybe it should ah been you all along” The Boss started attentively at George not moving just listening.

George then proceeded in talking to the boss “Yeah” he said gently…then paused, taking a deep solemn breath It’s your turn. Any last words?” the boss started to scream and then frantically made a dash away from George.

The sound of yet another gunshot roared throughout the open landscape…

Gun in hand.

George fell to the floor.