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Short Story

Gerry’s Paradox

Frank O’Carroll tells of an athlete who had a run-in with Zeno.

When Gerry refused to leave his fireside chair I was more bewildered than most. An iconic sporting figure in our town, I had seen him run in all weathers and all seasons in his pursuit of that elusive victory in the metropolitan marathon. ‘But what on earth is he doing glued to his chair when he should be out training?’ I pondered. I refused to believe he had thrown in the proverbial towel when his supporters were never more hopeful of him achieving an historic victory.

None of my pleadings, though living next door and knowing each other all our lives, prevailed.

…