Into the Abyss (1st Place)

Carla held the tear-stained paper in her hand as the rhythmic EKG machine beat in the background. She recalled the day she’d signed it six years earlier…


“What’s wrong, Mom?” Carla stirred ‘Equal’ into her tea.

“I don’t want to be a bother to anyone, dear.” Edith’s words trembled.

“Oh, Mom. You’re not a bother. You’re my mother.”

“Thank you.” Edith patted Carla’s hand. “Now, I have to tell you a story.”

“All right.”

“I was in the car driving and became… confused.” Edith gently squeezed Carla’s arm, then looked into her eyes. “I was driving to my sister’s. I’d driven that route hundreds of times, but somehow I made a wrong turn. I don’t remember anything. But they said I ran out of gas fifty miles west of St. Louis.”

“St. Louis! Mom, that’s over 100 miles away from here.”

“I know. I begged the policeman not to call you. He called my sister instead and she came and got me. That was three weeks ago.” Edith paused, then looked back into Carla’s eyes. “This morning I came from the doctor," Edith paused, "It's not good news. He said I have Alzheimer’s.”

Carla’s face felt flushed.

“I need for you to sign this.” Edith retrieved the medical power of attorney. “I need to have someone commit me, when they realize I can’t take care of myself. Then make the decision when I stop becoming... me…”


The EKG’s beat was strong. She remembered the difficulties of committing her mother just five months afterward. Then the slow descent as she forgot her grandchildren, one by one. The denials, the blowups, irritations, and nonsensical things she’d say. Finally, four months ago; Edith didn’t recognize her only daughter.

Now, a stroke diminished her even further.

Carla squeezed Edith’s hand. "I think it’s time, Mom.”


299 Words
Flash Story Must contain the line: "I don't remember anything"