Nemesis

‘All that I am saying is I want you out of my life – forever.’

‘Oh, I see.’

‘Ahh – No, no, no, no. I don’t believe you. That’s your problem, you never, ever see. You have always lived in a world entirely inhabited by yourself. You are unfair, the essence of selfishness and I want no part of it any more.’

‘Fine.’

‘What do you mean – fine?’

‘I mean very well, you have my permission – so go – I allow you to pack your pathetic kit and disappear into the great blue yonder.’

‘I don’t need your permission.’

‘No, you don’t, so thanks for reminding me. So I won’t care what happens to you, I’ll wash my hands of you and everything connected with you. So go and enjoy your boring little life.’

‘I will.’

‘Good, and be quiet when you close the door after you, because I’m in the middle of a really good book, one of those page turners, you know, absolutely gripping.’

‘Gripping? You’ve never read a book – ever. When we were kids, I cannot recall you joining a library, or browsing the shelves of a bookshop. Come to think of it, I don’t remember you reading anything at all, except perhaps those sarcastic cartoons on the political pages of my newspaper. Yes, that’s about your sphere of literature.’

‘Mmm. Shavings, are you still here? I was under the impression you were itching to be off on your new adventure.’

‘I’ve, er, got a bit more to pack. I just thought I’d inform you of my intentions.’

‘Oh you’ve not packed yet? What a shame, I was experiencing an excited sensation at the thought that you were no longer in my life. I now want to curl up with these last few pages of my book, after which, I plan to get to work on the changes I need to make. How exciting. I do hope you will not hang around for too long.’

‘That’s not nice.’

‘Don’t be silly; of course it’s nice. You have made the decision to pack up and leave and I am allowing you to go. What more can you wish for? So be a good mate, slip out of that door and never look back.’

‘I, er, I didn’t have it in mind to happen like this.’

‘You didn’t? What a shame, how was it to happen?’

‘You were the one supposed to leave.’

‘Don’t make me laugh. Why should I leave? I’ve got everything I want. I have my cosy chair, my trusty pipe with endless supplies of tobacco, and my favourite tipple on my side table, my new book, why on Earth should I go anywhere? No, you want me out of your life – forever, so therefore, I give you permission. So go and like I said, be a darling and close the door quietly. Bye, bye.’

‘You, you, you’ve always been horrid.’

‘Have I? Well you should know. I am after all very like you. What do they call it? Kindred spirits. Meeting our match. I know what I am and freely admit it – whereas you have always been in absolute denial of your true self. Go, now, whilst I am in a really good mood. You hesitate – didn’t you get my drift? It was you who brought up this subject, so for your own sake, I really think you should go.’

‘All that I was saying…was … oh dear, oh dear. What have I done? Perhaps we should re-consider. Eh?’

‘Certainly not. You are right. You should be strong and leave like you said you would. We are too opposed to each other to get on, so get thee hence, quickly now and close the door after you.’

In this masterfully crafted dialogue, “Nemesis” presents a psychological battle between what appears to be two people but gradually reveals itself as an internal conflict within one mind. Through sharp, biting exchanges between a character wanting to leave and another smugly settled in with a book and pipe, the story exposes the complex nature of self-confrontation.

The genius lies in how the dialogue subtly shifts from seeming like a conversation between two separate individuals to what becomes clear is an internal monologue between warring aspects of one personality. The comfortable chair, trusty pipe, and book become symbolic anchors of the established self refusing to yield to the part seeking change. When one voice declares “I am after all very like you” and references “kindred spirits,” the true nature of this psychological confrontation crystallises – this is one person wrestling with themselves, caught between the desire to leave and the resistance to change.

About “Creatures” and Pat Barnett

Pat Barnett’s “Creatures” is a captivating collection of short stories that delves into the mysterious corners of human nature and the supernatural. Born in post-war Gorton, Manchester, Barnett brings a lifetime of rich experiences to her writing, from her early days in the swinging sixties to her adventures in Australia and current life in North Yorkshire. Her work expertly blends the ordinary with the extraordinary, creating tales that challenge our perceptions of reality.

If you enjoy stories that make you question the boundaries between the real and supernatural, while exploring the depths of human psychology, you’ll find yourself completely absorbed in this collection. Each story offers a unique glimpse into Barnett’s imaginative world, where the everyday transforms into the extraordinary.

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