The Final Curtain Call.
a micro story…
Looking down from the stage on that momentous occasion, so many memories came flooding back to me in a torrent. The good and the bad, it all washed over me. All the nights I had been up here on display, with people looking at and seeing the external me, but never really gaining a glimpse into the engine, the heart which drives me.
I couldn’t hear their hearty clapping, I was so lost in my own thoughts. What could I have done differently over the last 45 years? What could I have done better? I remembered a time early on when I had fluffed my lines but refused to take help from my understudy. That was immaturity and foolish pride which I always regretted it, making her feel like she wasn’t good enough some how. I made sure never to repeat that mistake, although there were other low points. The triumphs and standing ovations however, of which there were many, more than made up for them but none of it really seemed to matter now. I couldn’t believe I had just given my last performance. I felt a deep hollowness inside me, an aching I could never have imagined. ‘What the hell will I do with my time?’ The theories are great, aren’t they? — learn a new hobby, socialise with friends and family, travel, garden — ’ I bloody hate gardening, always have.’ For months I had been in denial but this was finally it.
I felt a gentle hand on my arm, bringing me back to reality. Now I heard the clapping, one last glorious standing ovation, and caught sight of the director approaching arms filled with flowers and gifts. ‘Oh God, I hope they don’t expect me to give a speech or something’. I collected myself, graciously accepting the enormous fragrant bouquet, the immaculately wrapped packages and the warm kiss to both cheeks, forcing the best smile I could manage under the circumstances. “We will all miss you so much” she whispered in my ear. I turned and bowed my appreciation, as deeply as I could without dropping anything, to the audience who were still standing and clapping. I couldn’t be sure if I wanted the curtain to come down that one final time or not.
It had been one hell of a career. One which had filled my life and taken me on so many incredible journeys. I had been given rare opportunities and met amazing people. I was deeply grateful. ‘How does anyone begin to create a new chapter in such a wonderful life story in an equally satisfying, meaningful way? As the curtain fell I guessed I would find out soon enough.
© Kerry Jane Rider
All rights reserved
24th December 2021
**I wrote this short five hundred word micro story in response to a writing prompt I saw, “Start your story looking down from a stage.” I was trying to imagine how it would feel when your entire adult life is spent performing in front of an audience for that to finally come to an end. I hope you enjoy it.
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