Stop: word prompt

Written this based on a word prompt on a forum called Did you write today.



The route was flat and fast as the organizers had described on their website. She was running strong and her legs felt as through they had grown wings. It felt good to overtake a few strong looking athletes while she was making her way to the finish line. She glanced at her watch that displayed the distance, pace and time. She was on a course to crack a personal best. 

Just at the turning She watched an old man trip and fall. He clutched his ankle and his face winced in pain. She looked at him in concern and then all around to see if she could spot a volunteer. There was no one around. Her strides had slowed down. Gone was the competitive edge that she had felt a few minutes back. It was instantly replaced by a wave of humanity. 

The dilemma that had clouded her mind for a fleeting second had dissipated. She knew 
that it was the right thing to do. She stopped and asked if he was ok. He looked at her gratefully as she handed over the bottle of water. He took a sip and tried to get to his feet. As she extended a helping hand, she watched others rush past her. She shook her head and looked at the man who had stood up. “Are you ok?” she asked for the second time. This time he nodded and gestured her to go ahead. 

She looked at him uncertainly but he assured her that he would make it to the finish line. She ran ahead and finished the race. It was nowhere close to her personal best. However what she did attain was personal satisfaction that was free from any sort of guilt that would have haunted her later. 

When she later saw the man hobbling towards the finish line, he smiled at her. At that moment, She knew that it was worth having made that stop.

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