PHOTO PROMPT © Marie Gail Stratford
He climbed each stair to the twenty-fifth floor every Thursday, not because he had to, but because he chose to. He viewed the weekly climb as penance for all the terrible things he’d done or would end up doing the rest of the week, mostly being the prick that he always seemed to be. He didn’t care much for people–hated living in the overcrowded city, but couldn’t bring himself to leave. The city he loved. It was the people that ruined the place. One step at a time he made up for every nasty comment he made that week.
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I’m not sure how I feel about this one, but at the moment it’s the only thing I’ve got so it’ll have to do. Maybe I’ll give it another go later, but maybe not.
Written for Friday Fictioneers.
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Adam Ickes 
March 31st, 2016 at 9:22 PM
It’s a very intriguing opening but it’s needs more. You don’t need to tie up everything neatly but it doesn’t quite hook us yet. Many Godzilla could come by and eat him?
April 1st, 2016 at 7:58 AM
I love how he thinks he’s making up for being nasty to people all week just by climbing up some stairs! How about “be nice to people and take the lift, dude?” 🙂
April 1st, 2016 at 9:42 AM
I liked it, thought that he was a serial murder, that would have spoiled it, perhaps he could be a priest doing penance.
April 1st, 2016 at 11:51 AM
Dear Adam,
It reminds me of an old T-shirt slogan, “I love mankind, it’s people I can’t stand.” At least he didn’t jump off the 25th floor. Thank you for that. I liked it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
April 1st, 2016 at 6:43 PM
does he talk to himself while doing it? maybe it’s time to make an appointment to a psychiatrist.
April 5th, 2016 at 8:58 AM
I agree with Plaridel. This guy needs help. It sounds like an ancient penance from the Middle Ages. It won’t even work as that if he isn’t sorry for his rotten attitude. Well done, Adam. —- Suzanne
April 5th, 2016 at 7:51 PM
I think knowing your an ass and doing penance for it is at least something.