Writing Prompt 11: Useful Sign
Dangerous Cliffs
The trees and grass make no indication of the potential hazard that lies beyond. Only a low sign dug into the ground close to the edge lets you know: DANGEROUS CLIFFS.
Is there a story waiting here for you?
The small walking group came to a stop by the low sign perched at the edge of the hilltop.
Alan pulled out his map and unfolded it to the point he thought they were standing at. There was a low hum of chatter as everyone grew restless waiting for him to lead them to their next place to stay.
"Alan?" said Cheryl. She touched his arm and peered at the map with him. "Which way do you think?"
Heat flushed through Alan's cheeks which were hidden by the thick dark stubble of a three-day-old beard. His heart thudded aloud in his chest. At least it seemed loud. The map shook a little in his hand.
"Cheryl," he said, his voice a low murmur.
"Yes?" she said.
"Cheryl," he said louder this time. He cleared his throat as if he was about to announce something. Cheryl looked up at him. Alan began to sweat.
"Sorry, I'm...nothing," he said. "I can't remember now what I was going to say."
"You were going to tell us which way to the cabin," said Cheryl, her voice gentle and kind.
"Yes," he said. "Of course," he said. "It's this way."
Alan packed away his map and tucked it in the plastic wallet he had hung around his neck.
"Be careful of the cliffs everyone." He waved his arm toward the sign that read DANGEROUS CLIFFS. "Don't want to lose any of you over the edge."
Cheryl giggled. Alan glanced at her and smiled. He cleared his throat before stepping out ahead of everyone.
"This way," he said.
Cheryl watched Alan walk ahead and noticed a definite spring in his step that she hadn't seen before.
First posted September 2019 // Photo: Tanya Clarke - Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park, Perth, UK 2019
