Seven Falls, Finally Rising

A work participating in the Amano Writing Club project

Preface

The phrase 'fall seven times, stand up eight' is one we hear often. But in reality, it's more common that we can't get back up so gracefully. Sometimes, you fall so many times that you forget how to get up at all. This is the story of a man who 'finally got up'.

Main Text

I live with heartbreak. Ever since elementary school, I've been a repeat offender, confessing my feelings only to be rejected. By the time I became an adult, I had stopped even thinking about confessing.

Even so, a goddess appeared before me. Thinking I had a chance, I invited her to a restaurant with a nice atmosphere. She accepted.

I was convinced that I would finally be able to put an end to my life with heartbreak.

At the restaurant, I waited with a pounding heart. Then, for some reason, she arrived with a companion. A man. I had a bad feeling.

It couldn't be, surely not... But it was, it surely was, and it was exactly as I feared.

She said, 'I'm getting married. Please wish me well.'

Without looking her in the eye, I stood up from my seat. My seventh confession ended in an attempt, but the result was that I was completely rejected.

The city lights, contrary to my heart, were shining far too brightly. I vowed that I would never love anyone again.

—Until I saw that girl.

Seven falls, finally rising. A day when I could think that finally came for me, too. The chance to part ways with heartbreak still remains.

Afterword

Falling seven times and standing up spectacularly on the eighth. Life isn't always like that.

Continuing to fall, wearing down your heart, and yet, somewhere inside, thinking 'just one more time.' That might be the moment you finally get up.

The chance to part ways with heartbreak is, surprisingly, something that is quietly placed along the path of life. *This story is a work of fiction.

I wrote this for the Amano Writing Club prompt.
Thank you for the prompt.