Guilty Conscience

• Aurora Lin, Grade 7
• Short Story
• 2022

The dead grass stuck between the young man’s toes as he walked towards the lake. Russet coloured leaves danced in the sky and the birds sang sweet tunes to the setting sun. As the man stared down into the water he was greeted with a familiar face. Light blue eyes glared back at him as though he was furious with himself. The small rocks, which were scattered around the edge of the lake, screamed outrageous accusations. The young man snatched the closest rock off the ground and skimmed it across the lake. When he peered down into the water, his reflection had been replaced with a woman’s. Her wavy short brown hair swayed in the light breeze. The image of the woman was slightly crippled in the slight ripples of the lake. When the lake stilled, the young man’s reflection took its place once more. Guilt burrowed deep in his stomach. The world surrounding him seemed to fade away and all that was left was his own image. He brushed his hands forcefully over his face, hoping the reality would mystically change. However, when he removed his hands, red liquid seemed to spew out from his palms. Sinking to the ground in a ball of confusion, the young man wept, for there was no equal consequence that could weigh the same amount his actions did.