Alternate Ending:
In a different version of the story, as Peyton Farquhar prepares to drop into the water below, he manages to twist and wriggle free of the noose just in time. Instead of falling toward the river, he finds himself face to face with the soldiers. Realizing he must act swiftly, he renegotiates for his freedom, vocally pledging his loyalty to the Union cause. The soldiers, surprised by his cunning maneuver, decide to spare him and allow him to escape.
Peyton then flees the scene, navigating through the woods, making clever decisions to mislead his pursuers. His adrenaline pushes him forward as he successfully reaches the safety of his home. Exhausted but euphoric, he embraces his family, celebrating his survival and newfound commitment to the cause he once risked his life for.
Last Line of the Alternate Ending: “And as he held his loved ones close, a sense of hope ignited within him, reminding him that life, even amidst chaos, could flourish anew.”
How the Original Story Ended: In the original ending of "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," Peyton Farquhar, who is standing on the brink of execution, imagines himself escaping and making his way back to his family. However, in a shocking twist, it is revealed that this entire escape was a mere fantasy. He never actually escapes; instead, he hangs from the bridge, and his life ends abruptly as the reality of his execution dawns upon him. The story concludes with his lifeless body swaying in the breeze, highlighting the futility and tragedy of war.