"An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" is a short story by Ambrose Bierce that follows Peyton Farquhar, a Southern plantation owner during the Civil War. As he stands on a railroad bridge, bound and awaiting execution by Union soldiers, he reflects on his life and the circumstances that led him to this moment.
Just before his hanging, he imagines escaping by plunging into the river below and swimming to freedom. In his mind, he experiences a vivid and exhilarating journey through the woods, evading capture and returning home to his family. However, the story culminates in a shocking twist: it is revealed that his escape was merely a hallucination occurring in the moments before his death. The narrative explores themes of time, perception, and the fragility of life.