Thursday, February 7, 2013

Decisions, Decisions!

I wrote this post for the Week 63 Trifecta Writing Challenge where we are to write 33-333 words using the word “path” in the context of a course or route or a way of life, conduct or thought. 

I immediately thought of people having difficulty making a decision and I decided to use the characters and theme from my January 2, 2013 post entitled, “It Only Takes a Proper Diagnosis.” The following post is self-contained, but I invite you to read my earlier one.

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Dr. Freundly:  So, Ernest how are things going?  Have the anxiety and depression subsided?

Ernest:  Well…yeah, I guess.  I’m upset that my fiancée is still fooling around with my brother and not even bothering to hide it.

Dr. F:  So how does that make you feel?

E:  Well, obviously, I am very angry. I want to do something about it.

Dr. F:  Like what?

E:  Jeez, I don’t know.  I think I’m over the urge to kill them, but I can’t figure out what to do.

Dr. F: This is understandable, many people feel helpless and anxious over their lack of control over a situation.

E:  Well, what should I do?

Dr. F:  It’s not really for me to say.  You must make your own decisions.

E:  Yeah Doc, that’s great.  But I came here for help.

Dr. F:  [Pondering] I am reluctant to tell you what to do, but maybe this quote by Yogi Berra will be enlightening:  “If you see a fork in the road, take it.” 

E:  What does that mean?

Dr. F:  What do you think it means?

E:  I don’t know.  Maybe…that I should make a decision?

Dr. F:  Yes, we are making progress. You must choose a path.

E:  Ok, what should I do?

Dr. F: [Showing signs of exasperation] Maybe, you should think about whether she is the right woman for you.

E:  You mean, break up with her?

Dr. F:  Well…yes.  That would be a reasonable decision, right?

E:  Doc, are you fuckin’ crazy?

Dr. F:  Why do you ask me that?

E:  Because I love her.

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Your comments are appreciated.

26 comments:

  1. I really enjoyed this. However, dude in the story needs to learn to love himself. Loving someone else is fine and good but when they don't respect you and are willing to hurt you without a second thought, love them or not they need to go because you are worth more than that. At least, that's the way I look at it.

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    1. Thank you for your comments. I really meant to portray both of these characters as a little off kilter and show the absurdity of counseling when the patient has unreasonable expectations and the doctor is seemingly unaware of the extreme diffiuclty that the patient finds himself.

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  2. Good story but I feel a little sad for Ernest.

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    1. Thanks Joe. Yeah, I feel sad for Ernest, who is naive and who seems to have a rather cold doctor. But, I was trying to show this in a humorous way. I'm not sure that came across.

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  3. Excellent dialogues Lumdog-loved the part when the Dr is exasperated at the patient not taking the cue offered-its Ernest sounding like a broken record,which made me giggle:-)

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    1. Thanks Atreyee. Glad you liked the dialogue. I loved writing it. Yeah, Ernest is a little slow and I meant for you to giggle! :)

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  4. Well, lumdog, I think Ernest made great progress today in admitting he no longer wants to kill them.
    I think it helps that the analyst takes his insights from Yogi Berra, too. hehehe

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    1. Glad you noticed Yogi. I thought both of the characters were goofy. Thank you Kymm! ;)

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  5. There's the lumdog dark, dry humor I like! Great dialog. And great follow up to the last one.

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    1. Glad you liked the humor. I was afraid it didn't come across. Thanks Gina.

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  6. I love the dialogue. You totally nailed Ernest's anxiety and unwillingness to grow -- he wants someone else to tell him what to do. Nice!

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  7. I think you just described why I could never be a counselor. I would've gotten exasperated long before that! ha!

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  8. This is so funny. ive had a lot of therapy. maybe that's the key to getting it. I'm not sure. but I love it. well done sir.

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    1. That hanks Steph. I think humor is a cure for a lot if things.

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  9. ha! I love this. (: I could feel the doctor's patience withering away.

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  10. Love...deaf and blind. It's a beautiful thing as long as it doesn't lead you off a cliff.

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    1. You are so right. But, he's loyal. That's worth something, right? Thanks Janna.

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  11. well presented dilemma. Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds (W,Shakespeare) is all very well, but there's no future in such a one-sided love.

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    1. I think you are right but I was trying to portray a slightly humorous, albeit hopeless, character. Thanks Viv.

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  12. I enjoyed this very much. This does seem like a common dilemma among couples. Asking anyone's advice, even a Dr., then not following it. "But I love them." Seems to be the justification always for not leaving someone who deserves no loyalty. Great writing!

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