The premise: A character being haunted by a dark past and fearful of the future stands on the edge of a cliff. Facing oblivion.

How it starts: The character named Ben stands on the cliff. Below him: oblivion.

How it ends: Ben is still there, wondering whether to join oblivion.

Word count: 37 words.

Random twist: Perhaps oblivion is the name of his wife, who’s angry because he hasn’t been home for a week. Or maybe it’s just a metaphor for . . . oblivion.