Panic Is Not Her Friend - by Susan Giles

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https://Voice.club - “Lost!” Celia whispers in panic.
“Lost! No, it can’t be.”

She thinks of the many times Paul has warned her to be more careful. He has drilled into her the need to . . . Her mind stops itself from continuing these thoughts. Paul can never know.

Yes, Celia is certain if he finds out, her husband will be furious and the trust that has built up between them will be lost.

“Think!” Celia’s brain races as cold fingers of dread twist around her heart. Where was it last? She retraces her steps, both physical and mental.

When?

Where?

Where . . .where . . . where . . .

This is the foremost question as she is frantically “turning and turning in the widening gyre”.

No. William Butler Yeats is of no help to her now.

Celia closes her eyes, breathes deeply, and forces herself to relax. Panic is not her friend. A few seconds more and she will have to let her husband know. She slowly counts to 10, then reaches for the phone.

“Mom,” the voice of her 11-year-old daughter breaks through her concentration. “You wrote it in my notebook yesterday. Here’s the password for your computer.”

2 Likes
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I thought she lost an expensive object, so the last line was a welcome twist. Funny!

3

I thought Celia had lost her wedding ring, or a special piece of jewelry Paul had given her.

You had us on the edge of our seats, then dissolving into laughter. Great writing - and an especially catchy title!

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This is a lovely and well-read story. I love the phrase, “turning and turning in the widening gyre.” and the clause, “Celia’s brain races as cold fingers of dread twist around her heart.” Well done, Susan.

5

I thought your protagonist was lost in the forest. like my neighbor that was lost in the forest last Saturday, 31st of August, 2024, and found dead yesterday at 3rd in September, 2024. So pity.

But good thing that your story is a funny one. The twist makes me giggle.

6

Thank you, Margarida. I do so enjoy including twists in my writing. To me the best part of writing is knowing that my words make someone smile. Thank you.

7

Ah, so you fell into my trap! I enjoyed writing twists that will delight the reader.

Titles are usually difficult for me, so I felt good about coming up with this one. Thanks for your positive comments!

8

Thank you for reading and responding to my story. I love including lines from my favorite poets in my stories. They, in turn, inspire me to create my own descriptive lines! I had fun writing this, anticipating the readers’ reactions.

Thanks again for your comments.

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First of all, that is horrible about your neighbor! I hope you didn’t find my story irreverent; that would never be my intention. I write to bring beauty and happiness to the readers, so I’m glad it made you giggle.

May you find a lot to smile and giggle about in the week.