Close to the summit, Kathy’s hand hold faultered. The crevice was tiny and her anxiety was turning to panic.
“You can do it.” Richard gently encouraged her onwards in his calming, believable voice. “I’ve got your back so don’t worry. Your safe. One step at a time.” She trusted him and reached the top.
Now, back home, they danced. She loved being held against him but Richard was dancing clumsily, trying to look behind him to avoid collisions on the crowded dance floor.
“Look forward. Trust me, like I trusted you. I’ve got your back now. You have mine.”
© irene waters 2015
Having some-one’s back means looking out for them. It can be in life threatening situations such as war where the mate literally covers the others back or on a mountain side where a slip can be life or death depending on whether the fellow you are attached to is on the ball and can look after you should you fall.
It need not be life threatening situations but just looking out for someone who maybe just needs some encouraging words or a mutual helping of each other on a dance floor. Whatever is the situation there has to be a level of trust. Trust is the crucial ingredient when you watch some-one’s back.
This week Charli has asked us :
August 12, 2015 prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about a character who is called to have the back of another. What circumstances led up to this moment? What are the character motives? Think about the interaction, the setting, the tone. What does it look like to have another’s back?
Everyone is welcome at the Ranch. Join in if you want or read other stories of watching some-ones back.
Thank you also to my brother for letting me use his mountain climbing photo. If you want to see more of the climb visit Mountain and Rivers.
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 