fiction

The Gate is Small (Pt. 7)

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This is a continuation of an allegorical tale begun in The Gate is Small (Pt. 1) and continuing through The Gate is Small (Pt. 2), The Gate is Small (Pt. 3), The Gate is Small (Pt. 4), The Gate is Small (Pt. 5), and The Gate is Small (Pt. 6). I suggest reading the full story in order, but of course, that’s only my opinion. Jack and I were sitting at an antique wooden breakfast table inside a backpacker’s hostel. The kitchen was well-stocked with the usual ingredients for breakfasts and dinners, and crystal clear water ran from the tap. … [Read more]

The Gate is Small (Pt. 6)

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This is a continuation of an allegorical tale begun in The Gate is Small (Pt. 1) and continuing through The Gate is Small (Pt. 2), The Gate is Small (Pt. 3), The Gate is Small (Pt. 4), and The Gate is Small (Pt. 5). I suggest reading the full story in order, but of course, that’s only my opinion. Jack and I continued down the path for some time. We stopped at the water spigot he had mentioned and refilled our canteens, and we talked about the things we both enjoyed, mostly words, philosophy, and great literature. It was nearing … [Read more]

The Gate is Small (Pt. 5)

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This is a continuation of an allegorical tale begun in The Gate is Small (Pt. 1) and continuing through The Gate is Small (Pt. 2), The Gate is Small (Pt. 3), and The Gate is Small (Pt. 4). I suggest reading the full story in order, but of course, that’s only my opinion. “…and of course, the simple pleasure that comes from the achy pain in the feet after a long day’s walk is one that many find paradoxical. Pain being pleasurable? Perish the thought. Of course, one that bears consdiera—” “JACK MOVE!” I shouted as the bear got dangerously close. He … [Read more]

The Gate is Small (Pt. 4)

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This is a continuation of an allegorical tale begun in The Gate is Small (Pt. 1) and continuing through The Gate is Small (Pt. 2)  and The Gate is Small (Pt. 3). I suggest reading the full story in order, but of course, that’s only my opinion. “YES!” The word exploded from my mouth. My grip was getting looser and looser on the ledge. The huge man with the English accent quickly knelt down and grabbed both my wrists. His hands were so large, they seemed to wrap around my wrist twice as he lifted me straight up over the ledge, and stood … [Read more]

The Gate is Small (Pt. 3)

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This is a continuation of an allegorical tale begun in The Gate is Small (Pt. 1) and continuing through The Gate is Small (Pt. 2). I suggest reading both posts prior to embarking on this one. Edging my way along the mountainside and grasping the rope tightly, I made steady progress along the path. It was slow going at points, but patient persistence and the occasional pause to pull myself together made for a pleasant hike. Eventually, the cliff side to my right smoothed out and a strip of soft green grass ran along that side of the path instead. The grass … [Read more]