NAKED
APES
Clinging to Pedro’s waist, Tom lifted his legs out of the
water to reduce drag. As they raced downstream the banks became a blur, only
the occasional streak of colour when a bird took flight breaking the monotony. Tom
yelled with the sheer thrill of speed, his voice bouncing from the green walls.
As they rounded one of the many bends, he caught a glimpse of
movement. Two creatures scrambled up the bank and vanished in an instant, but
the sight burned into Tom’s brain – their mud-streaked bodies were naked, and
they walked upright – just like the Humans in Grandfather’s bedtime story.
...................................................
When I saw this week's photo for Friday Fictioneers I couldn't think of a short story - until I thought of the book I am revising at the moment, and which needs an insert for the sake of continuity. So this is it - one day soon I hope to publish the entire book - A Volcanic Race.
Thanks to Rochelle at https://rochellewisoff.com/ for organising rhe group, and to Karuna for the photo which reminded me of something I needed to write!
Mysterious and beautifully rendered Lizy
ReplyDeleteThank you Neil.
DeleteIntriguing, Lizy.
ReplyDeleteThis is the first time I've used an extract from a novel - I think it works as a stand-alone.
DeleteA curious sighting, bodes well for the novel!
ReplyDeleteThanks Iain - I hope the novel lives up to my original idea!
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteThat was quite a twist. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle.
DeleteSo people turn out to be the "Bigfoot" of the future. Cool.
ReplyDeleteThat's one way to look at it, James! Thanks for commenting.
DeleteWell, that's different - delightfully so!
ReplyDeleteCast Aside - a very short story
Thank you Keith :)
DeleteOoh, very Planet of the Apes :-( Nice one!
ReplyDeleteI suppose this extract is reminiscent of that, though when you read the whole book you won't think so!
DeleteYou know it's a really good story when you have to read it again :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda - what a lovely thing to say x
Deletei wonder who got scared, them or the creatures. :)
ReplyDeleteI think Tom and Pedro shot past too quickly to be scared!
DeleteI was running with them! Do keep us posted when your book is published!
ReplyDeleteI will, and thank you.
DeleteQuite a twist!
ReplyDeleteIt's odd, isn't it, writing a book? As its author you know the back story, so to me this made perfect sense!
DeleteNice one.
ReplyDeleteThanks Indira
DeleteVery enjoyable reading -- a unique twist to the photo. I like it !!
ReplyDeleteVery intriguing. I sensed the thrill of speed.
ReplyDeleteGlad my description worked, thanks Clare.
Delete