By Boston Born
“Es piranha,” says Santiago, indicating the fish in the net. But Elliot instinctively reaches with his hand. Santiago shouts, “Ten cuidado.” Elliot, whose Spanish is limited, comprehends “Be careful,” a fraction late. With the violent precision of a steel blade, the piranha severs Elliot’s index finger at the mid joint.
The piranha thrashes in the boat. The disturbance catches the attention of an alligator on the far bank, and it slips into the water, barely visible beneath the surface. “Mantener la sangre en el bote,” Santiago says, wrapping Eliot’s injured hand in a small towel.
Keep the blood in the boat.
Incredible imagery and the ending is beautiful in its simplicity.
I always think of fishing as a peaceful activity. Not always it seems.
I like the bilingual approach to this story. This story has very good tension. Well done.
Powerful.
Powerful imagery words show the picture in reality. Well done, Liz.