This short story inspired by DP Weekly Writing Challenge: That’s Absurd
The water lapped gently against the boat. It was hypnotic.
Simultaneously the fishing pole slipped from his hands and he heard the wail of a loon off in the distance.
“Come swim with me!”
Before Stanley could gather his thoughts and realize the playful invite came from the loon, he was swimming effortlessly beneath the water.
“Keep up!” The loon called over his shoulder “We have fish to catch!”
“But…” Stanley stumbled over his words. “How?”
“No time to talk.” The loon circled Stanley. The confused child tried to turn with each revolution the loon made. “If you want fish for dinner you must focus and swim!”
Stanley released his apprehension and swam. He glided through the water with ease, faster and smoother than he knew possible. He and the loon circled each other as they propelled forward.
“No!” Stanley tried to raise his hands to stop the loon that swam directly at him, the loon’s beak was open to its fullest, Stanley had become the fish. Stanley had become dinner!
The young boy felt himself gently rock back and forth. “Stan, come on, you need to wake up, if you want fish for dinner we need to get out on the lake.”
Stanley opened his eyes. “Dad?”
Conversations Around the Tree 
This is such a good short story, Tree, and I enjoyed it heaps. I really thought the boy was being eaten alive until I got the very end of the story. Little words, yet you managed to convey a lot of action and description within them. You’re definitely a writer, and a very good one at fiction 🙂
Thank you Mabel! Its always a little scary to put my fiction out “there” so your words and encouragement mean a lot!!
No worries, Tree. It’s also hard for me to put my writing out there. I think for us writer’s, putting our work out there is sort of like giving it away. Once the story’s out there, it’s out there for everyone to judge.
Yikes. Great writing.
Why, thank you Pam!
Reminded me of some “absurd” dreams I’ve had. I think one mRk of a good writer is to be able to connect to another’s emotions & experiences– which you’ve done here. Google job!
Thank you Colleen for your comments. I also appreciate that you continue to follow my blog and share your thoughts!
Should have reread. Make that “mark,” not “mRk.”
I’m tired. I didn’t catch the google instead of good. Sometimes I don’t much like auto correct. Even if I find another mistake I’m going to ignore it and go to sleep. Good night!
I like the ring of it….google job!!
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