Was it my fault? Honestly? When I search my conscience, everything was by the book—the examination, the prescription, everything. Should I have seen the signs? No, nothing said she’d jump in front of that bus.
But they’re gunning for me. Somebody has to take the blame, and it’s not going to be them. Or is this paranoia? Maybe they only wanted to make sure I’m OK.
Fuck, a whisky would be good. Just one won’t matter. A mistake, though a minor one. But can I afford mistakes right now?
.
Friday fictioneers is a weekly challenge set by Rochelle Wisoff Fields to write a 100-word story in response to a photo prompt. You can find other stories here
Neil MacDonald Author 
Maybe a mistake of any size is not in order right this moment.
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But one little drinky would settle his nerves
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Dear Neil,
Life is filled with choices, isn’t it? Handle with care.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks so much, Rochelle
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The sense of guilt is overwhelming. Maybe, the whiskey will flush out the grief or at least change the mood.
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If not guilt, at least the strong suspicion he’s going to be blamed
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Unwarranted guilt is awful and can mess with your mind. You portrayed that excellently. I think he needs to skip the whiskey and keep all his wits about him, just in case.
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He can’t afford to let his guard down for a minute. Thanks so much Brenda
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What a horrid position to find oneself in. Of course, as much as just one sounds like a good idea, it rarely is. Nicely done!
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Thanks so much, Dale
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Sit back, sip whisky and … breathe.
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That sounds delightfully seductive
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drinking can offer brief relief from guilt, whether justified or not. it may temporarily numb emotions, but it doesn’t resolve underlying issues. relying on alcohol as a coping mechanism can lead to unhealthy habits.
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He half suspects that
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Not a big fan of daIly alcohol – but there is a time when a well-aged whiskey might be the elixir to calm things down so one can think
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That’s what he wants to think too
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🙂
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I think that “maybe they just wanted to make sure I’m ok” is wishful thinking. Somehow I think taking one drink then hitting the high road might be the best plan.
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I think your skepticism is well-founded
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A truly bad day! I like the format you told this story in, throw the reader right into the middle of the situation.
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Thanks so much, Clare
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Oh there are so many layers in this one. The mistake or not the death, the guilt., the brief thought of perhaps this one time. Beautifully written descent
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Thanks so much, Laurie. I don’t think he’s going to emerge unscathed from this descent
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Oh the what ifs…
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I fear they may spiral into doom
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Responsible/not responsible. This is the torture of a person trying to sort out his own responsibility for something he could not prevent. Chilling.
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Thanks so much, Linda
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We live in a time when physicians, acting in the best interests of their patients, carry the responsibility for things outside of their control. I saw in this flash a doctor who had maybe prescribed strong narcotics for someone in intractable pain and a patient who, when the strongest of narcotics didn’t work, took matters in her own hands. If that’s the case then I’d say take the shot and stand up and let a jury filled with people like me decide. If my take is wrong, then I’d say run!
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Yes, I was thinking of a doctor. He’s now considering whether or not he’s going to be scapegoated by management
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A lot of times our lives are determined by the choices we make.
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THat’s very true. Dawn
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