Fork in the Road

Arnold was on the adventure of a lifetime. It started when he followed a rabbit down a dark hole. What sights he saw. But enough – time to go home. Oh no. A fork in the road. Which way?

He saw lush green trees on the left pathway, as it veered off in the distance. On the right, were colorful flowers as far as he could see. Which way?

A toothy smile appeared between the pathways. An orange body took shape around the smile. It was a cat – a smiling cat.

“Hello, who are you?” Asked the cat. After today’s adventures, a talking cat didn’t surprise Arnold.

“I’m Arnold. Who are you?”

“Just a cat. Where are you going?”

“I don’t know.”

“Do you have a sister named Alice?” inquired the cat.

“No, why?”

“I think I’ve done this before.” The cat yawned.

“Which road do I take? Do you know what’s ahead?”

“Of course, but do you want to know what the future holds.” The cat sounded ominous.

“Yes. If I know, I can make a choice.”

“If you wish, I will tell you what’s ahead.”

“Yes, please.”

“Both roads have problems. On the left only death. On the right, a wife and children.”

Arnold didn’t wait, he scooted down the path on the right. He came across a woman with two children.. Two men came from nowhere, tied him up and began hitting him.

“This is him.” One man shouted as he pummeled Arnold’s head with stones.

The cat reappeared.

“Why did you send me here?” Cried Arnold.

“ You made the choice. I told you a wife and children were here, but not yours. I told you death awaited on the other path, but in seventy years.”

A stone connected with Arnold’s temple and ended his simple life.

(300 words)