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Deceptive Depths

March 26, 2023 16 Comments

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In the wild, untamed ocean—not on the maps anyone knows—there’s a gaping chasm: perfectly round, deceptively deep. Water spills over the edges, cascading falls that claim many a ship and crew.

That’s how I designed it.

In this waterfall-ringed pit, there’s a growing cove of shipwrecked strangers-turned-companions determined to survive—and escape.

I watch, delighted. Occasionally, I descend, belaying the waterfall. They watch me—their god of wind and waves—eager for bread crumbs.

Occasionally, one lucky soul escapes the proverbial woods, climbing the falls after me.

That’s how I designed it.

Because I’m hungry and tired of fish.

By Eric A. Clayton

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tim Goldstone says

    March 26, 2023 at 7:18 am

    An entire world in 101 words – condensed speculative micro fiction at its very best

    Reply
    • Eric Clayton says

      March 26, 2023 at 8:40 am

      Thank you! That’s so kind!

      Reply
  2. Nicki Nance says

    March 26, 2023 at 7:49 am

    You packed a lot of story in a few words. The gaping chasm conjures up the image of a giant open mouth. Your first person character is quite intriguing.

    Reply
    • Eric Clayton says

      March 26, 2023 at 8:41 am

      Thanks! Really appreciate it!

      Reply
  3. Dick Noble says

    March 26, 2023 at 8:28 am

    great images and ending

    Reply
    • Eric Clayton says

      March 26, 2023 at 8:41 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  4. SM Webb says

    March 26, 2023 at 10:52 am

    Well done!

    Reply
    • Eric Clayton says

      March 27, 2023 at 11:39 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  5. Lore/Ekphrastic Mama says

    March 26, 2023 at 11:21 am

    strong imagery- I followed the narrator right down in…

    Reply
    • Eric Clayton says

      March 27, 2023 at 11:39 am

      Thanks!

      Reply
  6. Meghashri Dalvi says

    March 26, 2023 at 1:26 pm

    Very well written!

    Reply
  7. JC Gardner says

    March 26, 2023 at 3:13 pm

    Very creative and engaging. Loved it.

    Reply
  8. Cathryn says

    March 27, 2023 at 10:57 am

    Hello Eric,
    Wow!! Flash at its finest! Well done.

    Reply
  9. Eric Clayton says

    March 27, 2023 at 11:40 am

    Appreciate it!

    Reply
  10. M nicole says

    March 29, 2023 at 12:25 pm

    Great job!

    Reply
  11. Robert Burns says

    April 10, 2023 at 11:33 am

    Excellent story, Eric. well done. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

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