ORANGE TAPE
The beach was packed, but an area at the
far end was empty, cordoned off only by flimsy orange tape. There was a sign in
Spanish but no guard, so Trudi stepped over and spread her towel, ignoring the
shouts of a local.
“Can I explore that cave, Mum?”
Charlie’s ‘cave’ was the size of a
small car – Trudi nodded, lay down and relaxed.
She was woken by a shower of pebbles and
looked up, far too late to run - she didn’t stand a chance against a forty-ton rock.
It took them three long, hot days to
find Charlie.
.........................................................................................
It's only a story - right? Yes, but based on somethng that happened while I lived in the Canary Islands. You can read the news report here: http://www.tenerifemagazine.com/happenings/2-dead-6-trapped-in-los-gigantes-rockfall.htm
Thanks, as ever, to Rochelle for hosting Friday Fictioneers, and to C E Ayr for the stunning (!) photograph that is this week's prompt. Follow the links from https://rochellewisoff.com/ to read other stories.
And for anyone who read my blog two weeks ago, I am proud to announce the arrival of my third granddaughter - I am now Nanny Liz to five children, all delightful!
A powerful story, especially knowing it's based on a true event. Glad to hear about the safe arrival of grandbaby #5. Christine/Swallow
ReplyDeleteThanks Swallow.
DeleteGosh, a shocking story and even more so because it was based on a real incident, Liz.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your new granddaughter! :)
marion
The rocks in Los Gigantes are brown, but this photo brought the whole disaster vividly to mind.
DeleteWhat a tragic disaster! Glad the new granddaughter finally arrived :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Iain.
DeleteHow awful. All the more so because it is based on reality.
ReplyDeleteThe entire island was shocked when it happened.
DeleteAs I always say, let sleeping rocks lie.
ReplyDeleteActually, it was more poised than sleeping, and there were warning notices.
DeleteOh, my! What a terribly sad story. I rock resting on sand is never a safe place to play--or to sunbathe.
ReplyDeleteA rock hanging by its fingernails at the top of a cliff is even more dangerous.
Deletesuch a tragedy. may their souls rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, and may they be a grim warning to others not to take chances.
DeleteOh gosh! Sometimes we don't heed the warnings even when we should. Powerful reminder of the dangers involved especially since it's inspired by a true story. Great take.
ReplyDeleteThere is also 'Holiday mind' to contend with - common sense often gets left at home.
DeleteThat's so tragic ,Liz.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the arrival of the awaited precious granddaughter . So happy for you . What's her name ? 🙂
Thanks Moon - she's called Keira and she's gorgeous, of course!
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeletePerhaps that tape was put there for a reason. I guess Trudi found that out. Terrible tragedy. Congratulations on the new granddaughter.
Shalom,
Rochelle
The tape was intended as a 'Keep Out' marker - she should have been more sensible.
DeleteSuh a tragedy. Just when you think it's safe to close your eyes.
ReplyDeleteAfter one such tragedy, two small children were discovered huddled in a small cave nearby. Truth can be stranger than fiction at times.
DeleteChildren know no fear and hence are vulnerable. A lesson indeed.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
Thank yarnspinner
DeleteThis gives me goosebumps. Very sad, expertly told. And congrats on the granddaughter. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks gah. I will be meeting my new grañddsuhter next month!
DeleteOh how sad.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, Dawn.
Delete