Photo: © Al Forbes
I staggered forward, using the walls to keep me upright whenever I could. The corridors all looked the same, with smoked glass doors and deep, dark carpets that seemed to sap the strength from my legs. I pushed the abdominal pain and feeling of nausea to one side. I had to keep moving, and get out before it was too late.
What little I could see of my reflection didn’t look good. I chose to ignore the deep red stains that had soaked through a once white shirt.
I wasn’t consciously aware of making choices, and found my way to the stairwell purely by instinct. I jabbed at the lift buttons. Faint lights appeared but there was no sign of any movement. I couldn’t afford to wait. I headed for the stairs, and kept going, plunging ever downwards.
Loud voices echoed around me – shouts, and the occasional scream. The sounds followed me down, appearing to get closer. I forced myself to keep going, sometimes taking two steps at a time. The searing pain at the back of my knees was becoming unbearable.
I finally reached the ground floor and forced open a fire escape. An alarm blared across the lobby, but I wasn’t going to stop now.
Hobbling out into the eerily quiet street, the low Winter sun hurt my eyes. I waved frantically at a nearby black car. A rear passenger door slid open, and with one final effort, I scrambled inside.
The cabbie glanced in his mirror. His eyes registered no shock at my dishevelled appearance. “You’re lucky, mate. Another two minutes, and I’d have gone. Looks like you’ve survived another Shard Christmas party! I’ll run you home, then, pal.”
This story is inspired by the photo supplied by Al Forbes of Sunday Photo Fiction, January 24th, 2016. For more details click the logo.
To view other stories written for this challenge, please click here.
Walk the Self-Talk 
Love it! You really had me. One of those stories that’s a delight to read twice.
Thanks Karen. It’s nice to know the idea works! 🙂
Love this tale, like Karen, I had to read it twice 🙂
Thanks, Angie. That’s a great compliment. I try to make sure it makes sense, both ‘before’ and ‘after’ you read the twist!
Great suspense, surprise ending! Great read. 🙌
Thanks, glad you liked it!
Nice twist, you really had me going with all that tension! What a relief that it was just a party. Although what a party!
Thanks, Joy. They know how to party!
Great Job. I thought he was going to die. He just had too much fun at the Christmas party.
Thanks, Mandi. I wanted to have a bit of fun with this one!
Haha! What a great twist at the end! Beyond my expectation! 🙂
Thanks. Glad you liked it.
Did not see that ending coming. Was ready for a blown up building not a Christmas party and too much to drink. Good story up to the end!
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed the twist! 😀
I do wasn’t expecting that ending. I can’t decide if it’s funny or terrible! Great write!
Thanks, Helen. Many of my stories walk the line between funny and terrible! 🙂
Haha, nice! 🙂
Love the twisty-turny ending. I know you are apt to add a special zing at the end, was waiting, and was zapped for sure.
Great story. Great story telling.
Thanks! I enjoy thinking up the zings! 😉
You’ve very, very good at it! Mr. Zing.