Justin’s two companions on the ledge chat as if he isn’t there.
“See,” he says softly, “I am invisible.”
To his right, Raph asks, “What? Did he say something?”
On his left, Pen responds, “Think it was just a pigeon.”
Justin takes his hand off the ledge, his body weaving as he gestures,
“Me, me, me. Pick me. Just like school, never got heard then.”
“Definitely the wind,” Pen responds.
Justin takes both hands off, his body almost arcing off into space.
“Here I am,” he wails, “The one who works so hard. . .”
“Must be rush hour; I can faintly hear the street noise,” Raph comments.
Justin stands up, arms flaying in the air, “Listen. I love you, don’t walk away.”
“Geese migrating already” Pen notes. “My how time flies.”
Justin looks below at the ants and toy cars.
“Always, always the same!” he shouts, stepping off.
His companions look down at Justin’s plunging body.
“Should we catch him mid-flight?” Raph asks
“Or wait for the splatter,” Pen offered.
Raph is short for Raphael, an archangel; Pen is short for Penemue, one of the fallen angels. Traditionally, the angel sits on your right shoulder, the devil on your left.
Inspired by mlmm’s photo challenge #386
Photo credit Caters
Lorraine's frilly freudian slip 
October 15, 2021 at 3:01 am
I liked this story Lorraine, it touched me….I felt the boys pain….
I like angels and the conflict between good and evil I hope Raphael scooped him up before the the splat so much mess …
I have read the book of good omens, it so superior to the TV series. I have to admit to laughing out loud whilst reading it!
I like it you did a great job! 💜💜
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October 20, 2021 at 1:49 am
Thanks. I really should give Good Omens a read.
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October 20, 2021 at 1:57 am
I think you might be impressed 🙂
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October 14, 2021 at 9:56 am
I had a feeling this was heading to your conclusion – although it certainly didn’t really translate in this way – as it was written, with just enough detail, but vague enough to let the mind wonder …. so yeah, good one …. the idea of a potential/suicide and the two “guardians” waiting, watching, etc. – well, doesn’t this just tickle the imagination; it also has a “good omens” thing going on, as well as Michael’s thang ….
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October 14, 2021 at 12:12 pm
Yeah, I was riffing on Michael (who participated this week, as you may have noticed, but didn’t include angels and ham sandwiches). I have to confess I have never read Good Omens or seen the television show. Gasp! I must also admit I’ve not been much of a Gaiman/Pritchard reader. I have read up on the television version (via Wikipedia. I do that for those trendy “touchstone” shows on channels I don’t have or stream; often something I wouldn’t watch but everyone else is). I was thinking of the angel and devil on the shoulders as in the cartoons, etc. whispering to each other rather than in the person’s ear.
Glad I could tickle your imagination!
And, I just might add an alternative ending –
“As he positions me on the porch, I hear the distinct sounds of carosal music.
“We don’t even have to leave the driveway to go to the state fair. How COVID proof is that!”
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October 15, 2021 at 10:51 am
LOL@ID proof! 😂 I didn’t know Michael played this week – will have to double back and see :)
I couldn’t watch the T.V. series for Omens, even as Gaiman had a strong hand in its production – it was too “slick” – too odd for the visuals, at least to my eyes. I also think the book can’t easily be well translated to film – the writing is full enough, that a well-developed imagination paints the scenes, and carries the story along – so for me, the 1 1/2 episodes I did watch were a complete bust. And like you, I too am never on the “viewing bandwagon” – what everyone is usually banging on about? most often, I haven’t even heard of it, unless it’s on the “traditional” content providers, and usually, I’m not impressed by it, or am completely disinterested.
As a closing note: you would most likely like Gaiman’s Neverwhere and The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Neverwhere is cool – a bit trippy but not in an overly sci-fi/fantasy way – easily digestible. And Ocean is just lovely – so well written. Gaiman is a true “Lit writer” – the old school variety.
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