Not Worth It

Submitted into Contest #74 in response to: Write a story in the form of a top-ten list.... view prompt

223 comments

Sad Fiction Contemporary

Trigger warning: Suicide, death


Things to do before I leave:


1.   Hug my mother. Say I love you to her, even if I don’t mean it, because I won’t. She never loved me. She always loved her other children more than me. But she tried, I’m sure she tried to love me. It is my fault that I’m so unlovable. It’s my fault that I was always so moody and depressing, that talking to me was more of a chore than a pleasure. I didn’t deserve the same love that my siblings always got, I know that. But I wish I had gotten at least a fraction of it. It’s too late. If you’re reading this Mom, you know I’m being honest. I’m always honest, no one ever believed me when I was alive. But now they will. Everyone believes a dead girl’s last words.


2.   Hug my father. Say I love you to him and mean it because I will. I will hold his photograph and kiss it. I will leave today with it tucked into my jacket’s inside pocket. He knew me, even though he didn’t. I knew him, even though I didn’t. We are the same. He reached the same conclusion as me, knowing that leaving was better and easier than staying. He did it too. I was always ‘the girl whose father killed himself’ growing up. I guess I always knew that I would end up the same way, whether I wanted to or not. It’s in my blood.


3.   Go to all of my siblings’ rooms and take the stuff they’ve stolen from me over the years. All the t-shirts, jackets, sweatshirts, pens, books and ink they’ve taken without asking me at all. I’m going to take it all back. I’m going to smell those items in the privacy of my bedroom, and I’m going to try to see if those smells trigger some memories, at least a single happy memory. If it does, then I’ll return the objects back to their previous positions. If it doesn’t, I’ll stack it all up in my bedroom for them to find after I leave, just for them to realize that they should have asked me when they had the chance.


4.   Eat a filling dinner. I have not been eating very much at all for the past few days, in anticipation of what I’m about to do tomorrow. I realize that if I don’t eat enough, they will put down the cause of my death as an eating disorder. I will not cause them to make such a blunder. My body must be in a healthy condition so that they immediately conclude that I have committed suicide. I am not going to ruin their investigation; I want to help them as much as I can.


5.   Try to talk to my siblings. My older sister especially. She’s always too busy to or has other people much more of her mindset to talk to. It’s not even like I’ve ever wanted to talk to her. Okay, I'm lying. I've always wanted to talk to her, I've never seen anyone more perfect than her. But whenever I even approach her, something more important comes up. This time I’m going to be firm. I’m going to hold a conversation with her and see if anything comes out of it. I want to see if making an effort would change our dynamic, at least for a few minutes. I want to see if I would think about talking to her again. My younger siblings can't be reasoned with. They shun me, even though they aren't even old enough to know what they're doing. They do know, however, that spending any time with me is totally pointless. So they stay out of my way, and I stay out of theirs. That’s how it’s going to be, and I better accept it.


6.   Study a subject I hate. My mind is leaning towards Geography or Physics. I shall decide later. But I must do it, although I’m quite hesitant. I must see for myself, if all the teachers who’ve said that I have the potential to do better were just yapping for the sake of it, or whether they knew what they were yapping about. I want to see – if I decide against leaving – whether I can even begin to learn something from these evil, cruel subjects. I want to see if it’s worth it.


7.   Watch an inspirational movie. Preferably one which makes most people cry. That way, it will make me laugh. I hate the sappy ones, so I’m going watch one of those, not a romance one though. One with a deep message about life and death or some crap like that will be ideal. Maybe it will change me. Ha. I make myself laugh sometimes. But what if it does? What if by the end of the movie, tears flow down my face without my own volition? What if the movie convinces me not to go? How do I stay?


8.   Talk to the girl who sits next to me in class. She seems nice enough. I always get the pity eyes from her whenever I have one of my outbursts in class. But maybe she isn’t pitying me or feeling sorry for me, maybe she is putting herself in my shoes. Maybe she understands me, maybe she feels the same things I do. I need to talk to her, at least once. I need to understand if she’s gone through what I’m going through right now and if she would come to the same conclusion.


9.   Write a will. I’m leaving everything to my father as a practical joke, which I hope is taken the right way. All my clothes, journals and the rest of my belongings, I leave to my father, who is gone too. Ha. I should take them with me. That way, I’ll be able to give it to him directly. I’m leaving everything to my siblings and my mother. I need to give them something. I’m leaving after all. They need something to give company to their guilt. Something to smell, run between their fingers, to cry in, after I’m gone.


10.  Live. Don’t die. Please. Not worth it. I know now.

December 25, 2020 06:57

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223 comments

TJ Squared
20:12 Jan 16, 2021

I like how you clued in to the final point, but not saying it until the end. Even though I don't typically care for suicide stories, but this one was exceptional. Great use of language and I like the list idea!

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Writer Maniac
01:56 Jan 17, 2021

Thank you so much, I really appreciate your comment!

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Aww, this was so sweet and sad at the same time. It was really detailed and AMAZING! All ur stories are wonderful! Again, this was flowing so well from top to end! Great work!

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Writer Maniac
14:56 Jan 16, 2021

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!

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Of course! My pleasure!

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Maya -
13:08 Jan 12, 2021

Amazing story!!! Every item on the list was perfectly written and so meaningful. The story was so beautiful and it was made even sadder by the fact that the entire time it seemed like the girl was trying to convince herself that living was worth it. She seemed to be hoping that each item on the list would change her mind. This is a truly terrific story! Nice job!!! :)

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Writer Maniac
15:08 Jan 12, 2021

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! I really enjoyed writing this story, so I'm glad it's being received so well :)

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Maya -
15:09 Jan 12, 2021

No problem! :)

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Maddi G
15:10 Jan 11, 2021

Brilliant, you should've won. I love how you made me laugh twice in a story about a girl about to commit suicide.

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Writer Maniac
15:25 Jan 11, 2021

Oh my god, that's such a high compliment! Thank you so much for that, you really made my day! I wanted it to be as relatable as possible, because as much as we don't want to admit it, most of us have had suicidial thoughts at one point of our lives, and frankly, I wanted to just convey the message that there may be a million reasons to leave, but none as important as the reasons to stay. I would love to know your thoughts on another story I wrote called 'Not Worth It'. Thank you so much once again for your sweet comment!

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Writer Maniac
15:27 Jan 11, 2021

Also, could you leave a like on the story? The 68 is really bugging me for some reason and I want to get it to a solid 70 as soon as possible 😂

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Jana Diriyeh
08:43 Jan 11, 2021

it was a great story. Direct, Dark, and Humorous. great job there!

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Writer Maniac
08:44 Jan 11, 2021

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! I would love some feedback on the other story I mentioned :)

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Aria Belle
02:46 Jan 11, 2021

I love the ending of the story. My favorite part was Step #4, due to how creative it was, and helps the reader understand how the narrator is so careful with her steps. Good job! It made me emotional!

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Writer Maniac
02:50 Jan 11, 2021

Thank you so much, I really appreciate that! I would love some feedback on 'Game Over' as well :)

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Winter Blizzard
20:23 Jan 08, 2021

Loved the story! Great job! I again can’t find anything to criticize, great job! :) Plus I loved what you wrote for #10! Helps being out a good moral.

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Writer Maniac
01:45 Jan 09, 2021

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!

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Winter Blizzard
03:09 Jan 09, 2021

:) Keep on writing, i enjoy your writing!

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Writer Maniac
03:15 Jan 09, 2021

Of course, thank you!

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Jexica Marcell
16:48 Jan 07, 2021

omg. the end is so sad just like that last sentance. I know because ive thought that before and i have had depression, but this is just fricking AMAZING!!!

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Writer Maniac
16:51 Jan 07, 2021

Thank you so much, I'm glad it resonated with you in some way! Thank you for reading!

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David Francis
21:57 Jan 06, 2021

This is a great idea artfully realised. Your subject matter is stark, and yet utilising the 10 point framework you have injected that darkness with humour, with poignancy, with emotion and sadness and passion. You have found a key to unlocking and presenting some of the most complex and difficult aspects of the human condition. Nice work :-)

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Writer Maniac
09:56 Jan 07, 2021

Thank you so much, I really appreciate the detailed comment! I'm glad it resonated with you in some way, I tried to make it as relatable but as dark as possible :) I would love to hear your thoughts on my story 'Game Over' which I'm really proud of, so I would love to get some feedback on it

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Cookie Carla🍪
16:25 Jan 06, 2021

The way you turned it around was a little sudden. Maybe could've added a little more than just one sentence. But other than that, it was great!!

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Writer Maniac
16:32 Jan 06, 2021

Thank you so much for the comment, I appreciate it! I feel like I wanted to make the ending short and sweet to show that even though there are so many reasons you can make up to take your life, it just takes a short moment to realise that the reasons to stay are more. I would love to know your thoughts on a story of mine called 'My One', it was one of my very first stories on Reedsy, so I would love to know what you think of it :)

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Cookie Carla🍪
16:35 Jan 06, 2021

Oohhh🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️ now that you explained it, I get it. You're welcome and sure!!

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Writer Maniac
16:36 Jan 06, 2021

I'm glad you get my point of view, I always love getting input from others, so much appreciated!

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Seemless Pen
06:08 Jan 04, 2021

This is so sad. :(. And written so beautifully too, I loved the message of hope in the end. Great job!

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Writer Maniac
09:33 Jan 04, 2021

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it! I would love to know your thoughts on my story 'Game Over', be warned it's a sad one too

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Jasey Lovegood
08:48 Jan 03, 2021

[10. Live. Don't die. Please. Not worth it. I know now.] I think the ending really tied this whole story, the plot was evident, it was expressed very sadly. Despite it being in a form of a list, you could clearly see parts of the story, without having to write paragraphs and paragraphs. Amazing work!

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Writer Maniac
08:50 Jan 03, 2021

Thank you so much, I'm really glad that you liked it! I would love to know your thoughts on a story of mine called 'Game Over', it's one that I'm really proud of :)

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Jasey Lovegood
08:56 Jan 03, 2021

I'll check it out now! If you have time, would it be okay if you looked at some of mine? You can refer to my bio to choose which one you want to read. Thank you! :D

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Writer Maniac
09:01 Jan 03, 2021

Of course, I'll check yours out whenever I get the time!

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Zoe Hays
01:53 Jan 03, 2021

Stories like this give me hope that know matter how down they are, they always have an option and a choice to live. Like maybe they will change their mind. I also relate to this a bit but Im supper glad you put a bit of humor in it. I have brothers so I can also relate to them stealing things.

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Writer Maniac
02:05 Jan 03, 2021

Thank you so much, I'm glad it resonated with you in some way!

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Coco Longstaff
23:09 Jan 02, 2021

Hi, thanks for following me! I love your story, even if she’s planning to commit suicide. (Truth is, I love books where people die.) I like the last number 10 the most. It seems the most....passionate and emotional. Thanks!

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Writer Maniac
02:04 Jan 03, 2021

Thank you so much, I'm really glad you liked it! I would love to hear your thoughts on another story of mine called 'Game Over' if you're up for it :)

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Coco Longstaff
02:25 Jan 03, 2021

Yes totally!

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Alex Carmen
21:51 Jan 02, 2021

Emotion was dripping off the pages. Amazing.

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Writer Maniac
02:03 Jan 03, 2021

Thank you so much, I tried my best!

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Kara O
19:11 Jan 02, 2021

I love how from 5 and 6, she's questioning the present state of her life, and from 7 onwards, she's coming to find that flicker of will to live. There's a real progression of emotion as the list goes on. You've done such an amazing job capturing that state of mind as it moves, ponders and wonders even when she feels like she's come to the end of her road and there's just nothing left.

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Writer Maniac
02:03 Jan 03, 2021

Thank you so much for your comment, I really appreciate it! I'm glad that you noticed those little things that I wasn't sure anyone would notice :) Please check out my story 'Game Over', I would love to hear your thoughts on it

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Kara O
12:28 Jan 03, 2021

Sure thing. :D

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Writer Maniac
12:56 Jan 03, 2021

Could you please leave a comment on it? I would love to know your thoughts :)

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Asumi Pringle
04:46 Dec 29, 2020

This is an amazing story and I can sorta relate to it... I thought it was a little funny when you listed to take all of your stuff back from your sibilings.

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Writer Maniac
04:48 Dec 29, 2020

Thank you so much, I appreciate it! I thought it was funny too, because it's so relatable to anyone with siblings :D P.S. Could you please fill the form in my bio, it would be of great help to me :)

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Mickey D
12:48 Dec 27, 2020

I like how for the top ten list you made it into a bucket list. Very well done. Also could you explain number 10? I didn't quite get it. Did the character die, or attempt suicide and now regrets it?

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Writer Maniac
12:51 Dec 27, 2020

Thank you, I'm glad you liked it! For number 10, it means that she tried to do all the 9 things she listed and found that committing suicide is not worth it. You can take it to mean anything you want, but that is what I meant for it to be.

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Antonio Jimenez
03:50 Dec 27, 2020

Great story. It was wonderfully written. The character and the story was real. Amazing

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Writer Maniac
04:06 Dec 27, 2020

Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!

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Sam W
23:26 Dec 26, 2020

Incredible. A true testament to the power of writing, how seeing our thoughts on paper can help us change our minds. I loved the build-up feeling of the story, the slow 360 the MC went through as they went down the list. I noticed, on point 5., that the MC deems talking to her younger siblings as hopeless, even though their older sister is just as hard to reason with. I’d expand on this in the future. Well done!

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Writer Maniac
01:56 Dec 27, 2020

Thank you so much! I appreciate it! I wanted it to seem like the older sister is the only one the narrator deems worthy of talking to, maybe in a sense that she is idolised by the narrator, so the narrator is willing to try to initiate a conversation. However, in the case of the younger siblings, the narrator doesn't care as much about what they think due to their age, and so even if they're unable to tie up their loose ends, it doesn't matter too much to the narrator.

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Sam W
03:29 Dec 27, 2020

I would emphasize this idolatry, make point 5 all about the older sister, or alternatively emphasize the ages of the younger and explain, “that’s why I won’t even try with them.” Everything on this list matters to the MC in a big way, so everything needs to be justified.

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Writer Maniac
03:31 Dec 27, 2020

Yeah that makes sense, thank you.

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Writer Maniac
01:57 Dec 27, 2020

I would love to know your thoughts on one of my other most recent stories 'Game Over' :)

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Sam W
03:30 Dec 27, 2020

I’ll definitely give it a read! Would you mind dropping some critique on my entries?

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Writer Maniac
03:31 Dec 27, 2020

Yeah sure, I'll read your stories when I get the time!

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