jml297

‘Just one thing.’

That’s what the stranger had told him. It was a once in a lifetime chance to go back to change one thing about his life.

It had made Walter sit up a little straighter in the old chair that was on the enclosed verandah of the hostel. It was his usual spot with a view out across the road, but with a few straggly plants to provide a bit of cover if he felt like moving out of sight. He liked to keep an eye on what was going on in the gardens, and he could see visitors and staff come and go. It was a comfort to see life continuing on around him, even if he felt somewhat removed from daily activities.

He’d seen the stranger arrive. At first, Walter thought that the man was a visitor. He’d been carrying a wilted bunch of carnations and it had been Mothers Day the week before, so it was a reasonable assumption. Then it was time for morning tea and it was only later, when he returned to his favourite spot, that he’d realised someone else was sitting in his corner.

‘Walter, there you are. I’ve been waiting for you.’

Walter stopped short, frowning as he took in the man’s relaxed pose.

‘You’re in my chair.’ It sounded rude as he said it, but Walter didn’t care. ‘That’s my spot.’

The stranger shrugged then stood up and moved aside, gesturing for Walter to sit. Walter huffed as he sat down, then realised he was at a disadvantage as the stranger was now standing above him, looking at him with an unusual expression on his face.

‘Do I know you?’ Walter crossed his arms across his chest.

‘No. But I know you. I’m here to offer you a last chance for happiness.’

‘Is this some get rich quick scheme? If so, you’re barking up the wrong tree. Think I’d be stuck here if I had any money of my own?’

But the stranger just smiled and opened his arms. Walter bristled, wondering if the man was some sort of religious fanatic, looking for people to convert.

‘I’m here to give you a chance to go back and change one thing about your life, Walter. One thing that would change your destiny.’

Walter sniffed. ‘Bit late for that, isn’t it? And how can I change anything anyway?’

The stranger stepped closer. Walter leaned back in his chair, suddenly wary.

‘Look deep within, Walter, and you will find the pivotal moment that set the direction of your life.’

Walter shut his eyes for just a moment as the word pivotal thumped into him. He knew exactly what the stranger meant. If only he hadn’t listened to the lies, hadn’t said them to other people, he wouldn’t have seen the devastation that they had caused. It had ruined his life, and shattered his family.

Walter opened his eyes and looked at the man. ‘Please tell me how.’

This piece was written to a prompt on the Writer’s Digest website. Last chance: someone has just been offered a chance to go back and change one thing about their life.

Photo: three owls