Part 1
Children gathered around, anxious to make a start on our seaside walk. They’d been excited for weeks in anticipation of seeing the sea-worn cliffs.
Not long into the walk, I heard a scream. Adults checked. All were there.
Another scream.
Peering over the cliff edge, I saw a child. We phoned for help as I comforted her.
“I’m slipping!” she screamed.
I couldn’t stand the thought of doing nothing so I started down.
Grabbing the best handhold I could, “Take my hand.”
She couldn’t reach. I had to give up my footing relying on one handhold.
“He’s hanging off a cliff!” someone above called.
Now Part 2
Stretching out towards her, fingers touched. I felt her sweaty hand in mine. There was terror in her eyes.
I smiled, “I have you.”
“I just wanted a day off school,” she sobbed.
From above came the sound of a helicopter. A rope dropped. We were soon secured and lifted.
Ross's Writing Blog 
Ames
January 15, 2012 at 07:26
I’ll never send my grandchildren on a field trip ever, ever again! Especially since they don’t even have seat belts on the buses.
I was on the edge of my seat with this one!~Ames
Judie McEwen
January 15, 2012 at 12:52
I thought for a minute I was watching that old movie “The Bad Seed,” but you saved the day, Ross!!
anita
January 15, 2012 at 14:52
Way to go! And you did it with hardly any words!!
Jo
January 16, 2012 at 06:58
Wonderfully written … what a scary concept …
Jenny Matlock
January 21, 2012 at 08:50
Ross! Wow. This felt really vivid to me.
Your terse use of words really helped cast the dramatic spell of this conclusion.
Really great writing here.
As always.