The Threads That Connect Us
The wizard weaves and eyes his shimmery threads. He sees where the man is, and where he must go, but how to get him there? He contemplates the other string blocking the man’s path, but knows he cannot move it. The wizard sees that there is only one option. He grabs the man’s string and tugs it. The man pitches forward, stumbles, and falls.
…
He takes a sip from his mug of hot coffee and sighs. He places the mug back in his cup holder and returns his hand to the wheel. Although he is still a bit groggy from the early morning, the combined effect of the warm coffee and colorful sunset cheer him on his drive.
He approaches another vehicle, and sees the car swerve slightly into the shoulder. The driver must be tired too, he thinks. He decides to pass the car quickly. As he comes up on the car, it swerves into the shoulder again. He speeds up to get around the vehicle.
The driver of the other car overcorrects and veers into his lane, slamming into the rear half of his vehicle. It sends his car spinning. With the crunch of metal, his car comes to a violent stop, and then there is darkness.
…
The wizard is back to his weaving, and is concerned to see that the man didn’t move far enough forward during his tumble. He sees that the man will soon be able to stand, while the string that was blocking his path is now directly above him. If the man stands now, he will bump that string, causing all kinds of ripples along that thread. The wizard winces as he sees that he must pull the man’s string while he is down and drag him under the other thread. The wizard knows it will be worth the pain, but does the man?
…
He wakes in a hospital bed to the sounds of beeping monitors and hushed voices. He begins to open his eyes, but they are heavy and it seems to take him a long time.
He hears a sound between a gasp and a sob.
“You’re awake.”
A hand grabs his, as his eyes focus. His mother.
“You’re father is here too. He just went to get coffee, but he’s here. Oh, I’m so glad you’re awake.”
More sobbing. He tries to piece it all together. He remembers, in flashes, the accident. Then, he notices other people in the room.
“I’m sure you have a lot of questions,” a man in a lab coat says. “Do you remember what happened?”
“Car…” he starts to say, but his throat is so dry.
The doctor nods. His mother holds a styrofoam cup to his lips, and he sips from it.
“What’s…the damage…doc?” he says.
The doctor smiles and begins to explain a list of injuries, but he can’t focus. There is a pause, and he sees his mother watching him as she wrings her hands.
“What?” he asks.
The doctor seems to take the question as a statement of disbelief.
“I’m afraid it’s true. You will need another surgery once you are recovered enough. I’d say you will be here at least another month.”
It’s then that his father walks in with two cups of coffee. The doctor excuses himself and allows him time to talk with his family. They explain everything the doctor has told them about what had already happened and what lay ahead.
He tries to sit up, and winces.
“I hope that damned drunk driver rots in prison,” his father spits out.
“Drunk?” he says.
Suddenly, he is filled with anger. At the driver who did this to him, at himself for trying to pass the car without thinking that the driver might be drunk, at the universe for putting them on the road at the same time. He wants to scream and hit things, but he can barely move. Instead, his rage comes out as tears.
…
The wizard allows enough slack in the string for the man to stand. He gently guides the man along the right path, knowing that he is the only one who can see the invisible threads. He watches as two strings approach each other, waiting for the precise moment that they are close enough to weave together.
…
He turns his head to the sun and takes a moment to appreciate the fact that he is here. He can walk and be outdoors again. Although he recovered months ago, he doesn’t think he will ever stop appreciating the fresh air in his lungs or the grass beneath his feet. A tug brings his attention back to his dog.
She pulls him toward another dog that is walking towards them, wagging her tail. He smiles down at her. She was a big help in his recovery, and he’s glad to reward her with an afternoon at the park.
“Does she want to say hello?” a woman asks, as her dog tries to sniff at his.
“I’m sure she does,” he tells her.
The woman smiles knowingly and lets her dog approach. The two animals sniff and wag and lick, the owners watching fondly. They strike up a conversation, and it’s not long before they are walking through the park together.
…
The wizard admires his work, after weaving the two threads together in a beautiful pattern. It is lovely to see, but could use a special touch. He reaches into his sack and pulls out a new thread. He weaves it in with the two, creating something magical.
…
He looks around at his family: a loving wife, two sweet old dogs, and now a baby girl. He and his wife both had their struggles in life. He never understood the reason behind them, the need for either of them to fall down. All he knew is he wouldn’t change a thing about his journey, because he was meant to end up here.
…
If you enjoyed this short story, we would love for you to leave a comment, or even buy us a cup of coffee! We promise to share!
P.S. Be sure to comment on this story for a bonus entry into our Giveaway for Fantasy Nerds! Haven’t entered yet? Just click here for the details on your chance to win some awesome fantasy items!
Thanks so much for reading!
-Clever
