Hey all!

So I entered a short story contest by @stach. 

It requires that we write an interesting story on the topic ***a stitch in time saves nine***, using not more than 199 words.

This was an exciting challenge for me because I always write such detailed stories.

Here is my story:

______________________

### A LATE STITCH IS JUST A PUNCTURE

The results were out! Quickly, I grabbed my phone, dialled Stephanie and informed her.

"Don't forget to tell Dave!" I yelled.

___


This was my squad. We always did everything together, except the time when Dave who was from a middle-class family got so hooked on crack that he resorted to stealing just to make his "drug ends" meet.

![cannabis-1254745_1280.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1519375930/vvw5bwcusg3ncd7ucmhr.png)
[Image source: Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/en/cannabis-hemp-leaf-marijuana-plant-1254745/)


Frequently, Stephanie and I debated on who would talk Dave back to his senses, but it always ended with us shying away.

Eventually, taking advantage of the respect Dave had for me, I decided to give him the talk of his life.

He opened up, sobbing uncontrollably as he told me his dad had gotten arrested and his younger sister abused; neither Steph nor I knew.

He apparently just needed someone to lean on, and he promised me he would change and study for his professional exams.

___


We arrived the faculty, checked the results; Dave failed and was asked to withdraw.

On our way out, Dave was arrested by the police for a robbery at the VC's office. 

He tried to flee and was shot dead.

If only I intervened earlier...

![20180223_092425.jpg](https://res.cloudinary.com/hpiynhbhq/image/upload/v1519374310/zs2zvfk36ju2ikucidwp.jpg)
[Image source: Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/en/hand-labor-embroidery-2943250/)

_________________

The entry for the contest is a comment on the @stach blog. Read [here](https://busy.org/@stach/stach-short-story-contest-21-199-words-5-winners-15sbd-prize-pool#@the.chiomz/re-stach-stach-short-story-contest-21-199-words-5-winners-15sbd-prize-pool-20180223t083809122z).


Thanks for your time.
❤❤❤
@the.chiomz