Paul Price was excited. A recently discharged fighter pilot, he did not expect to be employed so soon. And who would hire him, but the business tycoon, Lance Turner? His first duty was to fly Mr Turner, his family and secretary to Rome in a private jet. After a slow take-off, Paul was bored. The empty sky, silence and lack of action depressed him. Then, he realized that somebody was flying beside him. Ah! It was a huge eagle. He flew a little low, but the eagle quickly caught on. Then, Paul moved higher up and flew in a zigzag manner. The eagle looked impressed, but still followed him. Then, the flight embarked on a series of somersaults. At last, the eagle was nowhere to be found.

They had to land in Charlotte for fuel. So, Paul came out to inform his passengers. Lance Turner’s mother was fervently murmuring something, her hand on the rosary. Turner’s teenage son was looking ecstatic and his daughter was crying. The secretary, her spectacles on the floor, clutched her front seat with a glassy expression. Mr Turner was the only calm passenger. Now he addressed Paul with a cold precision.

“Mr Price, a word with you.”

The above was written for Alastair’s Photo Fiction.

Sabina entered the antique shop and looked at the statue of a lady in the water. The statue lady gave herself to the water with abandon. She seemed comfortable with the idea of the cold water embracing her. Sabina had known that feeling. She had been a national swimming champion. It was not just the money and accolades, but also her love for swimming.

Then, her life had turned around. A small sprain had become a more complicated problem, bringing down the curtains on her career and international ambitions.

She noticed a couple of girls staring at her.

“Aren’t you Sabina Ray, the swimming champion?”

“People have often asked me that. I don’t even know who she is. I can’t swim for life.” said Sabina, with a forced laugh.

It is better not to revisit the past, she thought as she turned away.

Written for Ermilia’s Picture it & Write

Walter had a splitting headache. He wondered if he had left his medication in his cousin’s lab. Thankfully, he located his pouch in his cabin. He took a tablet and sighed. Walking over to the deck, Walter felt restless with the passing waves. He felt an inexplicable urge to jump in. His headache now gone, he felt edgy in the ship.

Ignoring the warning deep inside, he jumped into the sea. He swam with surprising ease and was conscious of a growing hunger. A fish shied at his sight and swam away. Walter looked down hungrily at the fish and raised his head to stare into the eyes of a whale. He was surprised that he could understand the whale’s language. Walter and the whale had the same goal. He vaguely remembered his cousin’s experiment and observing a pouch similar to his own in the lab. Those thoughts quickly forgotten, he raced with his competitor for the nearest shrimp.

This was written for Alastair’s photo fiction. Come, take part and have fun!

He ran with the moving train, trying to get in. Luckily, he got a foothold, but was about to slip backwards when he saw an outstretched hand. He took her hand and eased himself into the first class. They spend the whole part of their journey looking at each other. The train was crowded the next day and she kept her books on the window-seat, holding it for him. She fought with school kids to retain it for him and angry passengers abused her. But, he always found his favourite seat unoccupied when he arrived.

Curious passengers always stared at them, trying to figure out their conversation. But, who can understand lovers, except lovers themselves?

She did not turn up one day. Nobody took the window seat, despite the crowd. They waited for him and he staggered to the compartment, looking stricken. But, he did not take the seat. He stood all the way to his station. He was never seen since then.

Written for Alastair’s Photo Fiction.