Peyton Farquhar miraculously survives the hanging in an alternative ending. Encountering Union soldiers, he learns of the war's end and embraces a newfound freedom, reuniting with his family for a hopeful future.
"An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce is a short story that concludes with the revelation that Peyton Farquhar's escape from execution was merely a hallucination. Here's an alternative ending:
As Peyton Farquhar dangled from the noose, his vision began to blur, and the world around him started to fade. But just as the darkness threatened to consume him, an unexpected turn of events unfolded. The rope snapped, and he plunged into the river below with a violent splash.
Disoriented and gasping for air, Peyton swam to the surface and, with a burst of adrenaline, made his way to the riverbank. He staggered onto dry land, free from the imminent threat of death. Bewildered, he stumbled through the dense woods, his heart pounding with a mixture of fear and exhilaration.
As Peyton ventured deeper into the forest, he encountered a group of Union soldiers. Expecting capture, he braced himself for the worst. To his astonishment, the soldiers, recognizing him as a civilian, offered assistance. They explained that the war had ended, and a general amnesty had been declared. Peyton Farquhar was a free man.
Overwhelmed with gratitude and disbelief, Peyton embarked on a journey to rebuild his life. He reunited with his family, who had believed him to be lost forever. Together, they started anew, leaving behind the shadow of the war that had threatened to consume them.
In this alternate ending, Peyton's escape is not a mere hallucination, and he survives the hanging. The story takes an unexpected turn, offering a glimmer of hope and redemption for the protagonist.