Life Decisions

Bronwyn must decide which career and life path to follow

"Come, Bronwyn. Let's christen this new tea set out on the patio and chat."

I helped my aunt carry the cups and saucers out to the small table she had sitting in the warm March sun. The Italian spring really was quite delightful.

She brought the tea tray with the pot while I when back in for the tray of goodies we had picked up from the bakery in town.

She poured the tea while I tried to relax.

"Bronwyn," she said with that knowing tone. "Tell me what is bothering you."

I couldn't deny it. She'd see right through it. She knew me too well.

"I'm just trying to figure out what I should do," I said as I took one of the wee delicate Italian pastries from the tray.

"About what exactly?" she asked making her own selection.

"About what to do next school year. Do I go back to Canada like I originally planned and continue teaching.... or do I take another year to work on my writing?"

A part of me wanted my aunt to tell me what to do, but she only smiled that knowing smile of hers.

"Well, that is quite a dilemma, isn't it?" She nodded thoughtfully, her eyes not leaving mine. "What does your heart tell you what to do?"

"My heart?"

Her smile deepened, "Yes, Bronwyn. Your heart. I know your head tells you to go back and continue teaching. Do what others expect of you, but I want to know what is truly in your heart."

I pulled my bottom lip in and began to worry my teeth over it. "If I want another year off I need to apply now or I have to go back.... or quit. That seems so final. Like I'm cutting off a limb."

"Breathe, Bronwyn." My aunt slowed her breathing and I followed her lead. We sat a few moments just breathing in the fragrant spring air already zested with lemons and limes from the surrounding trees.

"We've met your young man and I am thinking he figures into all this, doesn't he?"

I nodded, then sucked in a deeper breath. I didn't want to lose William.

"I've watched you these last few months. Your writing. Taking on editing job. I've watched the excitement you have about teaching other writers. You've got a good routine and you've bloomed. I've seen you with William. He makes you happy," I nodded and she reached a hand over to cover mine. "You've had a lot of responsibility these last few years Bronwyn. Now is the time to do what YOU want to do. To follow YOUR heart."

"But... there's Claire and...."

"Stop right there. Claire's life is her own. She has made decisions and you and I both know we can't help her until she helps herself. You can't return to Canada to be there and watch her do what she always does.... and you know she will."

I pressed my lips together knowing my aunt was right. No matter how bad Claire's relationship with her narcissistic husband was, she would never leave him. There was no way to fix things if she was not willing to leave him and get her sons the care and therapy they needed. It broke my heart.

"You can still be her friend from here."

"I know, but I feel like I should be doing more." A helpless clawing gnawed at me.

"If you could follow your heart, what would you do?"

I paused, took another deep breath and closed my eyes. After several moments, I said, "I'd keep writing. I'd build my writing career and I'd stay with William."

When I opened my eyes I found my aunt smiling at me. "Well that makes lovely sense."

"But that seems only a dream..."

"And why shouldn't you follow your dreams?"

When I didn't answer right away, she went on to say, "You deserve every happiness. You deserve a good man like William. You deserve to follow your dreams. Don't forget I've read your manuscript and I think it's amazing."

"Well, you are my aunt. You have to say that." We both laughed.

"But truly. Publish it. Follow those fabulous dreams and see where they take you. Don't let fear steal your joy."

She was right. Scary as it was I knew I wouldn't be happy if I didn't at least try. I nodded, then added, "I am still going to apply for another year off. If I get it I'll have another year to see how this life is working out. If I don't, I'll revisit this decision in July."

"Every my pragmatic niece, but I get it. But don't forget what I've said. You can always come back to Canada for a visit, but remember your uncle and I will be spending a little bit of each winter here in Italy surrounded by his family. So you're not losing family."

"Thank god."

"Now pour us some more tea and lets feast on some more of these delicious treats."




Word count = 838 words.

Notes ▼

Written for "The Writer's Cramp" : due for Monday August 18, 2025 - due by 11 am
Write a story or poem where the protagonist is faced with a difficult decision at a crossroads. Explore two different paths they could take and the potential consequences of each.

Also: Bronwyn's decision - cup and saucer.... 1000 words written for Deadlines for Writers