By Konstantinos Koukourakis
The suitcase stared at Emily from the bedroom door as she got ready for the evening.
Candles flickered while off-key singing filled the living room.
“To many more birthdays,” her best friend toasted, raising her glass. Emily smiled, clinking glasses with everyone.
One by one, her loved ones left, cheerful goodbyes echoing through the house. At the door, she hugged each tightly, lingering a moment longer. No one asked why.
When the quiet settled in, she slipped on her coat, grabbed the suitcase, and stepped outside.
Two months. That’s all the doctors had given.
Enough time to leave on her terms.
Beautiful. I liked the way you made Emily’s resolution a quiet, subtle moment. This one tugged at my heart strings. Well done.
So understated, yet leaves a lasting impression.
Tight and powerful.
Well done! I love the suspense from the opening lines until the end.
Wonderfully written – tight and poignant. Well done.