Ficlets

Self Knows Self

I sat at a bus stop a few blocks from my old apartment, waiting. I’d fended off a handful of half-hearted self-assassination attempts along the way, a manifold practical manifestation of the doubts I felt toward what I was about to do.

Soon enough, at around ten after nine, I came walking briskly down the sidewalk. I was on my way to catch the 9:23 bus to work, late as usual. As my younger doppelganger drew near, I hauled myself up and blocked the way. Nonplussed, I tried walking around myself, but I grabbed my other by the shoulders.

I tore the headphones from my head and leveled a glare at myself over the rims of sunglasses, but an instant spark of recognition nullified any words of protest.

“Yes,” I said. “You know.”

Nerd that I was – and am – I’d dreamed often enough about meeting some alternate version of myself. Largely unconscious, a gestalt of body language was enough to settle any skepticism – self knows self.

Wrapped in sudden trusting awe, however, I was far too naïve and unguarded to run.

Comments

Average Reader Rating:

Self Knows Self
khepa
Posted 10 months ago

good one, like it except the big words. I think you can do without those.
Self Knows Self
Saint Chuck
Posted 10 months ago

Great work, this one of the best stories I’ve read in a while.
Self Knows Self
Storykeeper of Fae
Posted 4 months ago

Whoa. I like this, and scifi isn’t exactly my thing. I really do like this, though. Quite brilliant, I think.
Self Knows Self
Music-Hearted
Posted 3 months ago

Great work with this one, I like it. “half-hearted self-assassination attempts”... brilliant. Good job.
Self Knows Self
White Hat
Posted 3 months ago

This is why time travel is illegal in the future…

But I shouldn’t have told you that.
Self Knows Self
HiLLARY
Posted 2 months ago

this is a very good story. well done!
Self Knows Self
Scarlett
Posted 2 months ago

I dont get it :/
Self Knows Self
mmmarmalade
Posted 2 months ago

Intriguing. I like it.
Self Knows Self
Lovely
Posted 2 months ago

I can probably quote you on the whole thing! Well done.
Self Knows Self
thebetweenspace
Posted 23 days ago

Quite the interesting story here. Very well written and intriguing.
Self Knows Self
Ana Cristina
Posted 21 days ago

I came across this in the “most popular” list and I just had to click on it because I couldn’t fathom a story two months old would still be on said list. After reading it, I think I can better understand why now. This is fascinating.
LoA
Self Knows Self
Tad Winslow
Posted 21 days ago

I think it’s funny (ha ha) to question yourself outloud “yes?” and answer “you know.” why even ask. I’m assuming this person is as eccentric as a neon tie.