This week’s Free Write Friday prompt from Kellie Elmore …
You find yourself in the lower level of an old ship. A calendar on the wall says 1682. There is a small window, and the view is nothing but open sea and a setting sun. There is a staircase and you can see daylight at the top…
Seems to me I’ve been lodged down here a long time.
I don’t care to look through windows. The sea means nothing to me.
And the setting sun? I’ve endured two summers below deck. I labour where it is always dark. When have I seen the sun set? What is a setting sun?
The light at the top of the stairs blinds, so I don’t look up. I am not permitted up the stairs anyway, so why bother torturing myself?
And the calendar? My lot don’t read.
I am used to the dark places now; used to dwelling in the shadows. Used to the filth. Used to scavenging. So, I don’t want to be seen. I don’t want the people upstairs to find me. I just want to be left alone among my kind. And, frankly, those others don’t bother me as long as I stay out of sight.
On the off chance the other lot see me by mistake I will make a desperate attempt at escape. If cornered I will fight back but am, as likely, as good as dead.
For some reason the people upstairs just don’t like rats.
~*~
Thanks for visiting …
Dorothy
©Dorothy Chiotti … Aimwell CreativeWorks 2014
Shedding Light on the Family Tree 
Oh my gosh-not what I was expecting! Haven’t heard the voice of a rat since “Charlotte’s Web”!
I hope that means you enjoyed it. 😉 It was fun to write. Be well, Dorothy …
Oh I surely enjoyed as I always!
That is totally, absolutely, unique…what an imagination. I love that. YOu could do a series of the vermin living in boats:) I love when I am surprised at the ending.
Thanks. For some reason the Muse went to the rat’s point of view and that was just fine with me even though I am no authority on rats. … Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
Oh gosh, this is wonderful! I could see this in a book. A wonderful collection. Much like what another said…you should continue doing these!
Thanks, Kellie. That’s an interesting thought. I’ll keep it in mind. … Glad you enjoyed my interpretation of your prompt. 😉
Ho……Niiiiiiice! Like everyone I liked – nay loved – the denoument. My eyes kept trying to peep at the end but I was a good Editor and read it without cheating – and enjoyed it the better for it! *Applause!*
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it. 🙂