Southend U3A

Writing for Fun

May 2021

Escape (continuation of January's Greed) - Diane Silverston

Jacob watched as the two men escorted Terry from the gardens. Terry looked scared and gave a pleading look towards Jacob as he passed him.

Jacob didn’t know what to think or do. He certainly didn’t want to return to the party, but felt he should, otherwise would he be implicated in whatever had happened? He returned to the hall, the noise was even louder, people were standing in groups, obviously discussing the latest events. Jacob felt nervous, would they think he was involved? No one looked at him strangely or said anything unusual, just greeted him as normal, some smiled, a couple patted him on the back, they just carried on with their conversations.

Eventually Jacob was able to leave. He made his way home and tried to piece together all the information he had heard and what he had seen that evening.

Jacob had always felt that Terry had a mean side to him, but hadn’t realised he wasn’t the only one affected, anyone who was vulnerable or had a weakness was a target for Terry. 10 years Jacob had suffered quietly and kept in the shadows. Not any longer, he had a chance now to stand forward and strong. He had escaped from that darkness, there was ‘light at the end of the tunnel’. He didn’t need to worry about that shadow looming over him. Terry was out of his life. He was known for what he really was. People had seen and heard the true side of Terry. Jacob felt free to be himself at last. He was 20, he had a life in front of him. He could chose his path. Terry couldn’t. Terry was on his way to prison, where he would be trapped, where he had no escape.