Self-Review – Side by Side

A Review of Side by Side

Come on in and check out the somewhat creepy Side by Side.

I wrote this story during the second quarter of 2020. I do not recall any particular prompt word or phrase. And I do not believe there ever was one.

Background

The idea of being able to see alternate timelines did not really mature in my writing until I started to write the Time Addicts trilogy and embody the whole shebang into the character Josie James. So, in a way, this is almost a trial run for the concept.

Because if anyone ever had to, truly, live their life this way, they would be constantly tripping and running into things!

As a result of that obvious issue, I retooled the idea considerably before finally settling on how Josie would actually see and experience the other timelines. This also meant removing her from a detached observer situation and instead turning her into a somewhat active semi-participant.

Plot for Side by Side

Rather than much of a plot, the story (such as it is) consists of the narrator explaining their ability to essentially see an alternate timeline.

The narrator sees in a kind of split screen, and so they are able to see the points of divergence as they occur.

Characters

The characters are just the unnamed narrator and whoever they are talking to.

Memorable Quotes

I have been able to do this ever since I could remember. In fact, until I was in school, I didn’t realize that other people couldn’t do it, too.

I have different vision in each eye. And that’s not too terribly remarkable, I know. I get that. But it’s not because my nose is in the way or a difference in visual acuity like with most people.

Instead, for me, I see a different scene with each eye. Now, you may be wondering just how I could go through life without falling flat on my face every moment of every day. But it’s not as if I see London with one eye and Timbuktu with the other or anything.

The truth is that I see the same external scenes. And no, I haven’t just lied to you. Rather, the difference is not in the scenery, not for the most part. I see the same tree, the same street, and the same clouds, probably the same as anyone else.

The difference is that I see two different versions of the present. They aren’t too terribly different from each other, and very often they are virtually indistinguishable. In my left eye, I might see a woman walking toward me wearing a red shirt. And in the right, she might be wearing a blue shirt. I’ve asked people with me, and they have confirmed it’s always the right side that is, well, right. The shirt doesn’t split the difference; it’s not purple. And no one else sees the red.

Just me.

Rating for Side by Side

The story has a K rating. While the end of a timeline can be messy and concerning, there is nothing really on-screen.

In addition, the reader can almost chalk it all up to a hallucination on the part of the narrator.

Takeaways

I kind of like the idea of there being some way to see a pair of timelines, and to watch the convergence. But at the same, heh, time, it would be rather nerve-wracking to watch another version of the human race in the process of utterly destroying themselves.

Also, as noted above, I believe that converting this experience from detached observations to proto-active participation makes for a more compelling storyline. Which would follow, seeing as I am a far better writer these days!

Side by Side is on Wattpad, where you can read it in its entirety.

Want More of my Short Stories and Novellas?

If this story resonates with you, then I hope you will check out some of my other blog posts about my shorter works.

And finally, for a complete list of my shorter works, then please be sure to check out the Hub Page—Short Stories.