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10.8.17

ORANGE TAPE - a story in one hundred words

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.
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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!

28 comments:

  1. A powerful story, especially knowing it's based on a true event. Glad to hear about the safe arrival of grandbaby #5. Christine/Swallow

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  2. Gosh, a shocking story and even more so because it was based on a real incident, Liz.

    Congrats on your new granddaughter! :)

    marion

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    1. The rocks in Los Gigantes are brown, but this photo brought the whole disaster vividly to mind.

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  3. What a tragic disaster! Glad the new granddaughter finally arrived :-)

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  4. How awful. All the more so because it is based on reality.

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    1. The entire island was shocked when it happened.

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  5. As I always say, let sleeping rocks lie.

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    1. Actually, it was more poised than sleeping, and there were warning notices.

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  6. Oh, my! What a terribly sad story. I rock resting on sand is never a safe place to play--or to sunbathe.

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    1. A rock hanging by its fingernails at the top of a cliff is even more dangerous.

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  7. such a tragedy. may their souls rest in peace.

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    1. Indeed, and may they be a grim warning to others not to take chances.

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  8. Oh 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.

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    1. There is also 'Holiday mind' to contend with - common sense often gets left at home.

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  9. That's so tragic ,Liz.

    Congratulations on the arrival of the awaited precious granddaughter . So happy for you . What's her name ? 🙂

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    1. Thanks Moon - she's called Keira and she's gorgeous, of course!

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  10. Dear Liz,

    Perhaps that tape was put there for a reason. I guess Trudi found that out. Terrible tragedy. Congratulations on the new granddaughter.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

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    1. The tape was intended as a 'Keep Out' marker - she should have been more sensible.

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  11. Suh a tragedy. Just when you think it's safe to close your eyes.




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    1. After one such tragedy, two small children were discovered huddled in a small cave nearby. Truth can be stranger than fiction at times.

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  12. Children know no fear and hence are vulnerable. A lesson indeed.

    Congratulations!

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  13. This gives me goosebumps. Very sad, expertly told. And congrats on the granddaughter. :)

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    1. Thanks gah. I will be meeting my new grañddsuhter next month!

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