By David Higham
Captain-Lieutenant Kolesnikov had lost all track of time since the explosion. In the utter darkness, he banged a spanner on the bulkhead of Compartment 9, knocking at what he reckoned were hourly intervals—three dots, three dashes, three dots—wondering who would save their souls.
He no longer expected an answer.
“It’s just us, lads.”
Laboured breathing was their only reply.
When he asked, they recited their names, their voices weak and hoarse. He wrote them down by feel, then pressed the list into a high point in the last air pocket.
He knocked again.
Waited.
Then, nothing.
Not even breath.
Very powerful and evocative writing. The last action of the last survivor in a terrible disaster.
Thanks Nick!
Thanks Nick!
Great piece. I could feel the claustrophobia. Kudos.
This is a powerful piece of writing. I remember reading about the Kursk at the time. To die in a submarine is a nightmare.
Wonderful story, very powerful and tormented of dying a slow death.
Well done. Claustrophobia. Breathlessness. Hopeful and hopeless. I felt it all.
A terrible story told masterfully. Your writing is beautiful. I love this piece.
Good to read you here, David! Well done. Amazed its power was recognis
ed by the judges we know.
Thank you, David. This time, I had the advantage of some really helpful editing bu 101words.org.
I was just listening to a podcast about this today! You captured the last moments of these men. I felt sad knowing it could have been prevented. Amazing interpretation.
Wow. Very powerful. Well done.
A great example of why we write and read stories–to FEEL.
Thank you, Professor. I am truly flattered to receive praise from such a distinguished writer and scholar.
David
Emotional read. Well done to bring forth in such a quick read
This kind of horror is more powerful than what we call “horror stories.” A great read.