'Would You Rather…?' by Scaramanga Silk

The choice had been offered.

“Either, an exciting short life. Or, a boring long life.”

This made a big change from reading my horoscope in The Metro every morning, stuck on the commute, between BO Bobby and Handsfree Helen.

Sam had discovered the Would you rather…? game and insisted on us playing it when he boarded our packed train at Clapham Junction.

“Go to jail BUT keep the money OR Don’t go to jail BUT lose all the cash.

One night with your dream girl OR Ten years with someone less attractive BUT she’ll worship you.”



However, it was his current conundrum that was the real crux of the crescendo.

“A one-hit wonder with a Number #1 single OR a steady BUT unremarkable musical career.”

Sam wasn’t aware of what I did before this job. Sam didn’t realise how I had lived this scenario. Sam couldn’t have known how painful things had gotten.

We worked for a publishing company on the edge of London. They had transitioned to digital and were all about the data. Nice bunch of people… if you wanted your soul to die.

I’d been there for four years now and desperately missed the recording studio. Yet, late nights, travelling the world, and partying, were not compatible with the life my wife and kids needed. So here I am.

Sam didn’t know I was at breaking point. Sam didn’t know that I had my solicitor’s card in my wallet. Sam didn’t know about the unfinished letter to our boss.

What example would I set to my kids if I didn’t follow my dreams? What sort of father and husband would I be if I was miserable?

“Either, be someone who makes sacrifices and provides OR risk everything for an unrealistic goal BUT at least know you tried…”