The ferry captain prided himself on regularity.
“Keep to a schedule, that’s the main thing,” he said. “Everything else will fall into place.”
The ferry made its passage across the channel three times a day, four times on Saturdays, and never deviated from the schedule by so much as a second, rain or shine.
Naturally, the captain didn’t see why the end of the world should be any exception.
“There’s still room!” called a woman from the shore as the gates closed and the bridge rose.
“Wait for the next ride across!” the captain shouted.
As the ash cloud brewing overhead would reach them long before the next ferry, the people stranded on the shore found this of little comfort.
The woman looked at the cloud, at her children, at the ferry moving slowly away.
“Nothing to lose,” she muttered, and slammed her foot down on the accelerator.
Word Count: 148
This is for Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. Thanks to Priceless Joy for running the challenge and Ted Strutz for providing the prompt photo!
Nothing to lose I guess. Choose the best way to die? Interesting write 🙂
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Thank you! There’s a chance for survival if she can make the jump onto the ferry, while the disaster will get them for sure.
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Well, you’re right then. Might as well try! 50/50 odds, you have a chance or you don’t. Have a good week 🙂
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Impressive last line – truly conveys the story.
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Thank you!
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Nothing to lose indeed. The last line does pack a punch.
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Thank you!
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I hope they can swim… I like the ferry captain’s attitude – just keep going as if nothing is happening! 🙂
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I think getting out of the sinking car might be a bigger struggle than swimming. Thanks for commenting!
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Can’t say I wouldn’t do the same thing in that situation. Great story, J.A.!
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Thank you!
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Go for it Momma!
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Never underestimate a mother. Thanks for commenting!
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Good one !
Nothing to lose !
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Thank you!
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And the car flew….
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If it can just fly a few feet, they’ll have a chance. Thanks for commenting!
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What a choice!
The boat captain’s character was both sad and humorous.
Ellespeth
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Thank you!
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Great last line, this mother had nothing to lose.
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Thank you!
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I hope they made it! Also, there’s something to be said for making an exception. The of the world? Surely, today would be a good day to deviate from the schedule a little.lol
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Thank you! I agree, but I suppose some people take comfort in their schedules.
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True, they’re familiar. People love familiar. Haha.
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