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DRABBLE STORY ARC #4: BOUNDLESS LUCK
The Thing in the Boat
A chapter of a ‘choose your own’ story — drabble edition!
This is a double drabble continuation of Boundless Luck, a Choose Your Own Adventure Story (drabble edition) started by Bradan Writes Stories. Find out how to contribute here.
Or, return to the previous chapter, A Great Splash, by Andrew Rupert Crocker.
The darkness presses against your eyes, broken only by a teasing glow in the distance. You start towards it, but your water leaden clothes try to pull you under. Each panic stroke sends echoes off unseen walls in distorted claps.
A sloshing behind you slices through the dark. You spin around and make out a small boat gliding towards you. At the stern crouches a… thing. Part human, part fish. Scale-like skin glows with a sticky wetness, but it’s the eyes freeze you in place. Bulbous orbs as black and glossy as polished onyx. They don’t blink, don’t shift, just bore into you.
Then the thing speaks with a voice like stones grinding together: “Come with me if you want to live.” A slick hand extends towards you, dripping and alien. The thing smells of brine and rot, an odor that settles in the back of your throat, making you gag.
At that moment, you understand how a mouse feels when it sees the shadow of an owl.
Your mind races. Stay here and likely drown, or trust this otherworldly being? The creature’s patience seems infinite, its outstretched hand unwavering.
With a deep breath, you make your choice.
Do you:
- Take the creature’s hand and pray he doesn’t eat you.
- Take your chances in the water. (coming soon)
If you enjoyed this journey and wish to embark on more captivating adventures, visit www.arcrocker.com
Your next adventure awaits!
