Urgent Deadline

There would be no extension, no do-over, no second chance. I jogged along the boardwalk glancing back to see the restaurant’s strings of lights slowly fading off in the distance. The lights and music flowed over the beach in celebration. I wanted to remain part of it, but I was on a mission. I knew I could do this and still make it back in time. 

The moon was rising off shore and the stars twinkled in a nearly clear sky. In spite of this peaceful scene I rushed on. I glanced down at my watch and studied the numbers that danced about in a blur. Thirty eight minutes. I took a sudden right onto the dock, quickening my pace. With each stride I heard a great thud as the boards gave way a bit under my weight. The docked boats rocked rhythmically with each wave. The “Belle Tolls” was just ahead. 

I rushed down the few steps to the cabin. The light over the desk beckoned me to hurry. The laptop computer sat at the ready. I flung myself into the chair, sliding backwards several inches before righting myself and rushing forward into the battle. 

My fingers flew into action and words flowed magically onto the page. The computer alerted me about spelling and grammar problems. There seemed to be more than the usual number of these corrections as the clock moved on. It figures. I am in a huge hurry. Twenty four minutes and 30 seconds. I reviewed it. This paragraph is all wrong. Blue highlight. Delete. Replace. Now, it just doesn’t work with the whole. Nineteen minutes. I curse under my breath and yell “No!” to a dispassionate screen. Delete all.

The pages re-emerge with renewed speed and clarity. It’s working. I will make the deadline. Final readings and corrections bring me to the two minute warning. Yes, I will make it. I highlight the materials and send it off to the front lines while I type the email address and subject line. With a few clicks the manuscript flies onto the screen joining the email. I hope the address is correct. There’s no time for a correction. Twenty four seconds. I take a deep breath and hit “send”. It’s done. I made it with time to spare. 

I am spent. But I have one more task to complete tonight. I return to the boardwalk and jog back briskly. I will soon give the bride and groom a toast. I will urge them to set goals and to never miss critical deadlines, like the one for the Florida Weekly Writers Challenge. Cheers!