The boys slowly approached the archway.
“You sure this is the right portal?” asked Jimmy.
“We followed the map; it’s got to be the right one,” insisted Ben.
Nate didn’t say a word, glancing at the bicycles parked nearby.
Something didn’t seem quite right to him.
Ben urged his buddies to go through.
“We only have a small window of opportunity, and then it’s too late. What do we have to lose?”
Ben and Jimmy stepped through.
Nate stayed behind.
Fifty years later, Nate stood once again at the portal and sobbed,
“Jimmy! Ben! I’m right behind you.”
This is my entry in the latest Friday Fictioneer prompt, hosted by Rochelle at this link. http://rochellewisofffields.wordpress.com/
Photo copyright: Jennifer Pendergast
Retired Ruth 
I read, mesmerized, Ruth. Great story!
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Makes me wonder what happened to the other boys, but I can definitely imagine the doubt in Nate’s position. Good stuff
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After fifty years appart… a meeting would be interesting, no idea if bright or dark, or both, but interesting.
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Thinking of some people from my early childhood that I would love to see again….Thanks for reading and commenting.
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Ruth, Nate seemed to think something wasn’t right about it and I tend to take those feelings seriously when it comes to fiction. I feel sorry he regretted his decision. He might have been right. I’m probably overlaying my own need for certainty. I usually take a while to decide on something. Good story and well written. 🙂 —Susan
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I wonder where they went and why they never came back for their friend.
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Dear Ruth,
Choices. Life is full of them, isn’t it? I wonder what happened to Jimmy and Ben after they went through.
Good one.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Tantalisingly brilliant! #FridayFictioneers
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Wonder what kind of life Nate had to regret a missed opportunity after all those years. I often ask myself if I would be brave enough to leave all behind and step into unknown.
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I ask myself the same question. That is probably where the idea for the story came from. I am not as brave or willing to take a risk as I think I should be.
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There’s always that moment when you’re told your opportunity is NOW and you have to make a split decision. Some jump through the portals . . .
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intriguing!! Always! You are so good at this, Ruth!
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Many thanks! 🙂
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Ah, but are Jimmy and Ben there or is it a comment on a time past and choices that ended Jimmy and Ben’s lives and change the course of Nate’s life? Must be having a weepy night, but this story touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes.
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Oh I didn’t mean to make you cry. Lots of possibilities where this story could end…I like to think Jimmy and Ben are there waiting for Nate and they all revert back to the age they were when separated.
So dry your tears and think of happy endings!
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college bound finally???…that’s what I got!
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That is definitely a possibility… I think I should start writing those “choose your own endings” stories… lol
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What a tough choice he had. I wonder how his life was.
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I always vote for happy endings!
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You know, you really tapped into a human thing here. We all feel like we either should jump or stay comfortable. Nice little parable.
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So true….
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Great scene descriptions… I found myself hesitating just like Nate. Pulled forward, but not willing to step beyond. Wonderful story!
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Thank you.
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Time travel is tricky…it’s hard enough going through it the right way. But those “what ifs” can drive you nuts. Thought provoking piece.
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Cleverly crafted and very well told.
Lots left to the reader.
AnElephant loves it.
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don’t do it Nate!
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Gee whiz, Lou Ann… .what has he got to lose! LOL
I still am not getting your posts on the Reader. Have to keep looking you up!
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WOW – great job! I’m intrigued.
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aloha Ruth. the idea that we return is a good one (imo). i like the way you lead up to this moment. aloha.
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