Alleyway

This is one of the pieces of writing I like to call "mood pictures". In short, it is flash-fiction with little plot and mostly designed to make you think.

“I dunno, man. I feel like there’s more here than what I’m getting.” Tom lit a cigarette, leaning back against the alleyway. He took a puff.

“What do you mean?” he said between inhaling the smoke and taking a bite of the sandwich he’d ordered earlier in the day. Ty paused for a moment.

“Maybe there’s more to life. I mean, I like sitting here in this alleyway with you and a cig, but is that it? I just feel like there’s something else for me. Something… better.” He gestured around to the dark alleyway they were in.

“Is there anything better?”

“I dunno. It just feels… kinda empty.”

“You’re welcome to quit if you want,” Tom said, pulling his stained baseball cap over his eyes.

“Eh… maybe someday. I mean, I can’t really quit now. I’ve hit rock bottom, man. Rock bottom. I don’t have a stable life. I’m out on the streets by myself. I just want more.” Tom’s brow furrowed.

“It’s easier this way.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

“I know I’m right. Here--" Tom spread his arms at the dank alleyway around them, as if showing off its full glory. “Here, we got it made. You and me, man. We’re free. We got everything we need. Yeah, sometimes something else would be better, but it’s unrealistic. We’re stuck. Besides, this isn’t so bad.” Ty nodded. He lit a cigarette.

“That makes sense. I guess there really isn’t anything better.”

Author's Note

Did it make you think? Other than that, all regular feedback is appreciated.