Happy Endings (short story)

"Happy Endings" by Margaret Atwood is a short story that explores the various possible outcomes of a character named John’s life, illustrating that many different scenarios can lead to similar endings—usually death. The story uses multiple vignettes to show different choices and circumstances, emphasizing that life is unpredictable and ultimately finite. Atwood’s tone is reflective, questioning the significance we assign to specific events, and highlighting that the stories we tell about life often focus on endings rather than the details in between. It encourages a deeper understanding of life's fleeting nature and the narratives we create.