My FWF prompt:
You find yourself in the lower level of an old ship. A calendar on the wall says 1682. There is a small window, and the view is nothing but open sea and a setting sun. There is a staircase and you can see daylight at the top…
Why am I so damn uncomfortable?
She thought as she woke from a fretful sleep--
As if she were being tossed side to side and back and forth while she dreamt.
Her eyes slowly adjusted to the unusual darkness in her room.
This isn't my room!! Where the hell am I???!
The smell of salt water and wet wood overwhelmed her.
She heard the loud creaking sound of boards under extreme pressure.
The sloshing of water against a large blunt object.
The shouts of men above her--
Orders, she didn't understand.
And suddenly the distinct shuffling of rats scurrying below her feet.
Panicked she flung herself around the room,
Flinging and breaking small bottles off a small table near her bed.
She stretched high enough to glimpse outside the small round window.
Nothing but water and bright sunlight.
She couldn't breathe.
She couldn't think straight.
And suddenly words started coursing through her mind.
A mantra. Almost a prayer. Like she'd done it a million times:
My name is Annie Hidalgo. I'm from Harvey, Louisiana. I was born on February 4th, 1985.
My name is Annie Hidalgo. I'm from Harvey, Louisiana. I was born on February 4th, 1985.
My name is Annie Hidalgo. I'm from Harvey, Louisiana. I was born on February 4th, 1985.
I'm not crazy. I'm not crazy. I'm not crazy.
She saw a staircase on the far end of the room.
She slowly made her way up and peaked ever so carefully at the scene before her.
Men pulling at ropes on sails, mopping the deck, keeping watch high on the ship's masts.
They noticed her at once-- even though her large, frightened eyes were level with the deck.
She overheard a man whispering.
Der she be. Wee lass touched in the head, she is.
Affecting an air of confidence, she popped her head and shoulders out quickly.
Trying to control her breathing and straightening her shoulders,
She called out to the man nearest her.
"Hey you! Is this real?"
He paused before answering with a simple "Aye."
"What day is it?"
"...not this again. It is the 21st of March."
"And the year?"
"1682."
Just then a young handsome man came over to her.
"Ah Lady Elaine, you've awaken."
Lady Elaine? Does he think I'm Lady Elaine?
She responded quickly, but the tremble in her voice betrayed her terror,
"I think you must be mistaken, whoever you are. My name is Annie Hidal..."
"Yes, Yes of course you are." the man interrupted.
"Have you had your syrups yet, m'lady?
You'll feel much better once you've taken your syrups."
