ROBINSON II
Ethan’s
voice dripped scorn. “That’s not proper treasure!”
“Is too!”
exclaimed Henry, “Tell him, Grandad.”
Albert lifted
down the box. “These are souvenirs of my shipwreck. Sixty years ago I washed up
half-drowned on an island, and I’d have died of cold but for that Zippo.
Kindling and driftwood like this made a fire, then I searched the beach.” He
touched the coins reverently. “There’s one of these for each body I buried.”
After a moment his back straightened. “But I also found a fishing net, so I
survived.”
“What’s
that bird for?”
“To
remind me never again to eat a seagull.”
.........................................................
Thanks to Rochelle at https://rochellewisofffields.wordpress.com/ for posting Claire Fuller's photo as a prompt for this week's Friday Fictioneers. To read other takes on the prompt, follow the links on her blog. After commenting on mine, of course, and please feel free to scroll back to read my earlier stories.
Lovely little story. It's packed with so much!
ReplyDeleteLike the box! Thanks, Baggy.
DeleteHah! Great story! The 'bird' in the bottom left is actually a stone in the shape of a bird.
ReplyDeleteThanks Claire - and I'd spotted the stone bird.
DeleteI'm not wild about seagulls myself... Grandfather is a fount of stories it seems.
ReplyDeleteSeagulls are loud and scarily large up close, and apparently they taste vile.
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteWonderful story. I can't imagine eating a seagull...but if one is hungry enough. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle - I expect Grandad stuck to fish after tasting seagull.
DeleteGreat story, Liz, there is so much in there. I love how the voice drips scorn, can almost hear it. Why do seagulls taste bad? Perhaps because of the fish they eat? I don't think I've ever eaten a bird that ate fish...
ReplyDeleteThanks GaH - I think seagulls are probably tough as well as fishy!
DeleteActually the thought of eating seagulls made me cringe... rats would be betters
ReplyDeleteI'd rather not eat either, but needs must when hunger drives.
DeleteI love that you picked up on the bird-shaped stone! Don't think I'd be too keen on seagull either unless there was no choice!
ReplyDeleteI made a list of everything on that shelf and waited for inspiration to strike. I seem to have made a number of people queasy!
DeleteI'd have to be very hungry to try eating seagull.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Patsy!
DeleteAnd I was just about to try one I saw in the store frozen in butter sauce. You spoilsport!
ReplyDeleteButter sauce? Wouldn't seaweed puree be more appropriate?
DeleteVery enjoyable story, Liz - and I loved that last line! :)
ReplyDeleteSusan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Thanks Susan
DeleteI don't think I would need a reminder! lol
ReplyDeleteFun story!
Neither would I, Dawn! Thanks for commenting.
Delete