A Fall One Autumn, Rachel Bannister (b. 1985)

They say that “pride cometh before a fall,” but in some cases, a fall cometh unprovoked. Such was the event of our protagonist, whose fate came so quickly, with no warning. No, Rachel was not of noble birth, but critics and literary scholars throughout the ages have nevertheless dubbed this unfortunate soul a tragic hero. This is her story.

Rachel was born, lived for a while, and then went to Oxford, where she met and quickly befriended two upstanding citizens, Megan and Susan. The three had been conveniently placed in the same room, thereby solidifying their friendship. Nary a moment went by when these comrades were not engaged in fellowship with one another. It was true, however, that their rigorous academic schedules sometimes posed an interference in such pleasantries. During these times of separation, their minds raced ahead in anticipation of further time spent together in gales of laughter, perhaps whilst enjoying a confectionary treat from one of their frequented dining locales.

The walks to and from the multiple libraries strewn throughout the quaint town of Oxford were often the highlight of the day. The girls would amble through the idyllic meadows, rapturously admiring the English landscape, chatting merrily on a variety of topics.

One morning Susan was unable to accompany Megan and Rachel, and though the two were wary of journeying without one of the tripartite, they set off, bemoaning the absence of their third cohort. However, recognizing the necessities imposed upon their dear friend by her arduous workload, the two were consoled and again took up cheerful discourse. It was a glorious autumn morning – the air was brisk, and in a backdrop of bright blue sky, the sun streamed its loving rays upon the ruddy cheeks below.

Suddenly, disaster struck. Some wicked, unseen foe grabbed Rachel’s foot, and with no warning, she found herself plummeting toward the sidewalk beneath, in what seemed to her a perpetual nosedive. In actuality, the devastating fall took only a split second. When later questioned, an observer commented, “It just happened so fast.” Megan never even had time to begin reaching out a helping hand. Rachel’s demise was inevitable.

Fortunately for Rachel, her animal instincts took over, and, like a cat, she was unexplainably able to break the tumble with her hands and, amazingly, only one knee. Still, the harm was done – she was now a fallen woman, her once graceful reputation forever tarnished. An elderly woman had witnessed the whole scene, undoubtedly remembering the days before her initial descent, and remarked knowingly, “I do that all the time.”

Megan, being a faithful friend, stayed by Rachel’s side as the two walked somberly toward Oxford. Though Megan attempted to lighten the mood, they were both well aware that Rachel’s return to society would not be one of joy. The two would never discover why or how the whole event had transpired, but they had both learned an important lesson that day: a threefold cord is not easily broken.