Twenty kilometers. His heart thumped in his ears. His muscles screamed for relief. He pushed through. Almost there. A bit more. One last hill.
Done.
All he needed to do now was get to his bike. Pedal home. Thankfully, mostly downhill.
He’d have a warm shower while the coffee brewed. Get some oatmeal going. Fry an egg. Make toast. His mouth watered.
A distant rumble sounded, and he looked up. The heavy bank of clouds that followed him, finally caught up.
Light flashed. Whoa! So close! A second wind propelled his legs as he sprinted, suddenly energized, to his bike.
For Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers
Photo prompt: @ Dale Rogerson
Na'ama Yehuda 
There’s nothing like motivation!
LikeLiked by 2 people
If the risk of becoming instant BBQ won’t motivate one to move faster, I don’t know what would … 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
My heart is palpitating for him! I hope he makes it home before the skies open up! (I know I didn’t – but at least I was in my car.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, right?! In the City, there is often a place to duck into, and a human is HARDLY the tallest thing around (whole different level of risk in Central Park or by the river, of course, but one ought to be able to head out of there into a building quickly enough). But I know how real the risk of lightening is in more rural areas. It can be a close call for many. Hopefully he got onto his bike and out of the open space quickly enough!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know what you mean! I am hoping he made it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me, three! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Woo hoo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nothing like a storm to motivate you. Good story.
Tracey
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Tracey! 🙂 Yeah, them looming dark clouds get a pep in many a step!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A mad dash home before the weather really hits. I think we have all been there. I can relate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hopefully we can all relate in a SAFELY back home way! Yeah, it’s a mad dash alright!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent depiction of the climb uphill.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Sadje! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poor guy must be exhausted, he deserves a shower and a meal!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And hopefully, to get home in a zip but un-zapped … 😉
LikeLike
All the motivation you need… there in a flash.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL! Exactly!!!
LikeLike
I think he’ll set a new personal best with that sort of motivation!
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL! Probably!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
methinks, he should seek shelter for his own good until the storm passes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s certainly a good option if it is available!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes peddle like Billyo!! 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good story. Lightning has energized my feet more than once.
Ronda
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mine, too! 🙂 Glad you liked it!
LikeLike
I felt the tension. Nothing like a lightening bolt to motivate you to run! Entertaining tale. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Brenda! Yep, I think that gives the needed nudge, eh? 😉
LikeLike
They need to get on the bike, stay on the bike, and not touch the ground until they are safely under cover. The rubber tires should protect them from lightning strike, but I’m no expert on it, so maybe not? Poor person will be running on pure adrenalin!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, I’m not sure how well the metal of the bike will protect them if anything touches that … but hey, at least rubber tires… 😉 And most importantly – a mad pedaling till there’s some kind of a building to shelter in!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope he reached home safe!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so, too! Thanks for reading and commenting! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Na’ama Y’kara,
Wow. My pulse is racing and I’m just sitting here swilling coffee. Great descriptions. Hope he can beat the rain or at least find shelter. L’chaim.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen, and L’chaim! 🙂 Thanks, my friend!
LikeLike
So few words; so much excitement. Excellent write.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I don’t think he had time to linger and be more verbose … 😉 He had to skedaddle outta’ there! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nothing like a thunderstorm and lightning to hurry him along. I hope he still has an appetite for breakfast after such a close call.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope so, too! First order of the day is to get home safely. Then a nice shower, and perhaps a lovely brunch after his body calms down! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person