A Beautiful Day - flash fiction

This flash fiction was inspired by an image called The Exit Alternative by artist Arthur Blue. I love this guy's artwork and this image got me thinking about what it would be like to live in a place like that. Is it a future utopia or something a bit darker? Why is it there? The beauty of artwork like this is that everyone who sees it will have their own take on it, their own interpretation. Which is what I think art is supposed to do. Make us think, and imagine. So... here's my take off the top of my head.

A Beautiful Day 

I walk out of the tunnel into the sunshine. It's so much warmer here than inside, with the sun's rays slanting down and a gentle breeze skittering some leaves into the Structure. Those will have to be swept out, of course. But such a pleasant day. I take a deep breath, filling my lungs, and as I do so I notice others doing the same thing- stretching out cat-like in the sunshine, or sitting and reading, or just staring off into space . The sound of the birds chirping, the gurgle of the canals... it's all so relaxing.

It's times like this that I wonder if it is really necessary, to stay here and be so limited? I mean life isn't bad here, but we were made to grow, to expand, to explore... weren't we? Not to hide or play it safe. Yet that's what we're doing. At what point do we take a chance, maybe risk it all, to see if the outside is ready for us? Or if we're ready for it?

Well it's not going to be today. May as well enjoy the warmth and the sunshine. It's a blessing to be able to do this, after all, and I'm determined to take advantage of it. I hear a splash from somewhere up above and see someone taking a swim on the upper level- what a great idea! Looks like fun, as long as they don't go over the edge. But hey you have to live a little, right?

The gardens are in bloom alongside the canals and the buzz of insects combine with the sunshine to make me drowsy. A few people pass by, most absorbed in their own thoughts, but a couple nod or say hello. I don't see anyone I know though. One person actually leaves the Structure and sets off across the grassy hills- I wish them a pleasant walk as I consider doing the same and then discard the idea. I'm pretty happy right here at the moment, thank you very much. I have to get back anyway, Maya and I were going to try and do something tonight. Maybe we'll come back here and watch the sunset... who knows?

I must have dozed because the sun is lower when I rouse myself. Yikes, what time is it? Time to go. I get up, a little stiff, and with a glance back at the beautiful day head back into the tunnels. It's immediately cooler here but comforting in a certain way too, and I hurry along since I've lost track of time. I pass an attractive woman heading in the other direction, with a bag and a towel over her arm- we smile and say hi. She must be going for a dip too.  I pick up my pace, my pulse racing as I think of Maya. She's probably off by now, and I'm starving. Maybe we can grab some dinner.

Before long I'm at the crossing and I turn left, towards the noise and activity of the Hub. I miss the peace and quiet of the outer works, the sound of the canal gurgling along in the cool dark tunnels, but Maya is probably wondering where I'm at. Maybe she'll feel like a walk, and we can go back and enjoy the rest of this beautiful day.