Copyright Bjorn Rudberg
“No, let me show you….”
Dad’s wrinkled fingers flexed across the strings of my guitar.
“You stay in control, son…it doesn’t play you.”
A sequence of rich chords floated out into the sterile atmosphere.
I smiled; the old goat still had it. I’d never master his technique in a million years, and he’d never let me forget it.
Kevorkian’s assistant started the saline flow and left the room.
Dad stroked the strings for a few moments, then winked and pressed a button by his side.
Halfway through Dixie, his hand relaxed.
He was showing me how to stay in control…again.
Wednesday again! Friday Fictioneers are limbering up for the weekly workout under the expertly energetic leadership of Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. I was tempted to bring a note from my Mum this week as we’re busy preparing to take to the water again, but decided to grit my teeth and lumber through.
You may not ‘get’ this piece without looking up Thanatron.
castelsarrasin 
Oh yes.. I got it with Kevorkian name… In a way it has to be a good way to go… Excellent story with an edge I really like…
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Well done Bjorn. I’d never heard the name, though when I researched euthanasia and found the article on Kevorkian, I realised I had known about him.
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Thanatron! That’s a new one but ties in very nicely with guitar playing skills. Though I doubt if there is going to a ‘Thanatron Hero’ app very soon. Masterfully done.
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Now that’s an idea for an app! 🙂 Thanks for reading.
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Very powerful and moving. I admire the parallel use of “instruments” in this story. Wow.
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Thank you! Might we see you having a go at these weekly challenges?
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Maybe someday. I had no idea there were these writing challenges. I have been doing some of the photo challenges which I’ve enjoyed. So who knows……
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This is brilliant! It’s bittersweet with a vexed subject. The last line ties it all together.
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Thanks Lisa, appreciate your dropping by.
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Grim subject but solid writing.
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Grim yes, but the debate continues. Thanks for reading Paul.
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The guitar playing was a great metaphor for staying in control. And I hadn’t heard of Thanatron but now I know.
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Hi Claire. It was new to me too. Never let it be said that FF isn’t educational. 🙂
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Wow, very powerful story. To go on that last journey on your own terms…I really enjoyed your story.
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Thank you! Glad you liked it.
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Well-written story about a father’s desire to stay in control. Good story.
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Thank you! 🙂
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Sandra this was brilliant. I would like to go with as much control, grace and dignity. And sharing a last moment between father/son is the icing. Beautiful!
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It would be nice to think that both of them were of the same mind about this resolution. In which case it would be a beautiful moment.
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Great story! I believe the son admired the sense of control. Tell me if I’m wrong.
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Yes, I’d like to think that in this case both were of the same mind.
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Well done.
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I didn’t know about Thanatron or Dr Kevorkian, although the inclusion of both words told me there was something to look up, thank you for the link. Even without recognising the names, though, the story was very clear to me. I loved the tone, and the love between father and son. Great story, as usual. I’m glad you didn’t get a pass for the week.
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Thanks Jennifer. Sometimes you don’t get a handle on a story for a while after seeing the prompt and this one was harder to conceptualise than usual for me.
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It bears repeating. Powerful little story.
DJ
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Thanks Danny. Glad you liked it.
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Well-written story about someone wanting to always be in control. I like this passage best: “A sequence of rich chords floated out into the sterile atmosphere.”
janet
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Now that was a phrase I was unconvinced about, but not having a musical bone in my body it was the best I could do. 🙂 Thanks for reading.
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Sandra, sad but well written tale. Such unhappy memories now for the son though! Well done! Nan 🙂
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Only unhappy if the son didn’t agree with what was happening. I hoped he understood.
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Dignity – control and the right to Die !
Nice parable to connect the controls !
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Thank you for reading and commenting.
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Dear Sandra,
Thanatron was a new one on me but Dr. Kevorkian was not. Brilliant piece of writing on a touchy subject. I’d go into arias over it but it would only detract from your story.
I just started breathing again.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thank you Rochelle, so glad you liked it. The Kevorkian/Thanatron thing was new to me, though I had heard and read of ‘Dr Death’ – just didn’t connect them.
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Dear Sandra,
Thanatron is one of the best stories I’ve ever read, not just in FF but in my entire life. Be sure you remember this.
Aloha,
Doug
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Oh I will remember that, Doug. 🙂 Thank you for visiting, reading and commenting so kindly. I wish you were still submitting to FF, but it’s nice to know you’re haunting in the background, keeping an eye on things.
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That “control” sure didn’t last a whole long time, though, did it? I’m with Janet on that line, “A sequence of rich chords floated out into the sterile atmosphere.” It’s a really good one!
I knew there was going to be another death this week — I saw the word “thanatos” hidden in the title. 😉
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Ah, the ‘daemon king’. This week has been an education for me. My muse has been over-generous, leading me in this direction.
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Very powerful ending! Glad you decided to write this week. Hope you enjoy the water 🙂
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Thank you Jan. I’m glad I found the time…I generally can if I put my mind to it.
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i couldn’t think of a better ending than that, both literally and figuratively speaking.
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I agree. Thanks for dropping by.
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Really moving – I loved this.
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Thank you!
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A very poignant tale
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Thank you. I enjoyed your very atmospheric piece.
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this is superb, Sandra. there is so much depth.. and the details… that’s why i respect you so much as a writer.
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Thanks KZ, you’re very kind. I appreciate your reading.
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Nicely done, Sandra….again!
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Thank you!
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Powerful, moving, and beautifully written. I’m sure I’ve said that dozens of times on your stories, but it always seems to be true! You’re one of my “must visits” when Ron and I play Fictioneers. 🙂
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Thanks Joanna, I appreciate your visiting and commenting. 🙂
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Hi Sandra
This was a very powerful story and although some people have commented on how sad it is, it almost isn’t sad because the old man has chosen how and when. Very thought provoking.
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Yes, I should imagine that if both parties are in accord with both the time and the means then this could be an enriching experience for one and a fulfilling one for the other. Thanks for commenting.
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I love how you tied it all together with that last ,ine.
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Line! Please edit 🙂
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🙂 Thanks Dawn.
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Wow, this packs quite a punch. Very touching and poignant. Well, well done.
Here’s mine: http://unexpectedpaths.com/friday-fictioneers/lift-every-voice/
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Thanks Maggie.
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Excellent piece. Reminds me of my dad. Bittersweet. Lucy
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Thank you!
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Oh my. Sandra, you nailed this one! Tender, lovely, and melancholy– all at once, while still telling a great story! Wonder how many younger readers remember Kevorkian?
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Thanks Dawn. I didn’t remember his name, though I do remember the case.
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Jack Kevorkian… and there many, many cases! We lived not far from him in Michigan, when he was in the news constantly!
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Hi Sandra, it is so good, very well written, and thanks for the link’ Thanatron’. I would not have understood without it.
For some its really a blessing.
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I agree, Indira. Thanks for reading.
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Oh my. This just punches you in the gut. Really powerful. Well done. Cheers!
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Thank you. 🙂
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Good way to go – we would all wish for a chosen end.
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Maybe so. 🙂
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What an edge you have, Sandra! I never know what to expect when I sit down to read your story. It’s always thrilling and unique. I thought about a son/father relationship, but not quite like this one!
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Thank you Amy! 🙂
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Once again you entertain and educate. Thank you for the link for Thanatron, had never heard the word. I really liked the relationship you showed between father and son, very uplifting in a sad moment.
Dee
PS Loved your intro about a note from mum – I was thinking i would have to do something along the same lines. Still chuckling really.
Dee
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🙂 Thanks Dee!
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Such a strong character to the end. This is a wonderful portrait of a man who must have been wonderful and challenging to have as a parent.
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Yes, he sounds like his own person. Thanks for dropping by SarahAnn.
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Very topical story. I would like to have that choice. I hadn’t heard of Thanatron but didn’t need it, or Kevorkian, anyway as your writing was skilfull enough to illustrate the scenario. 🙂
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