The marching was unyielding, a steady pounding of clockwork hooves as the town became deserted. Like the first lockdown, Dodger thought, only worse because then there were the twinkling lights of the windows, even though the factory lay silent. Now this same factory is so still and quiet, but it is no longer because the people aren't allowed there but because there are none left-people that is. All taken, all gone. Except for two. And now, with the cloven hooves pounding like a red-hot hammer in his head, there was only one way out. Listen to your gut, man, he shouted to Toby as they stepped into the sea. I am, Toby thought- more than you know- this sea makes my gut feel like it hadn't felt since that night down the Ragged Ferret when we were 18. But then something else began- a new sound- a voice, in each of their minds, a neverending call that reassured and told them what they must do- the only thing they could do if they were to survive. The never ceasing refrain that got them in every sinew of their bodies and minds- 'the sea shall not have them.'
The marching was unyielding, a steady pounding of clockwork hooves as the town became deserted. Like the first lockdown, Dodger thought, only worse because then there were the twinkling lights of the windows, even though the factory lay silent. Now this same factory is so still and quiet, but it is no longer because the people aren't allowed there but because there are none left-people that is. All taken, all gone. Except for two. And now, with the cloven hooves pounding like a red-hot hammer in his head, there was only one way out. Listen to your gut, man, he shouted to Toby as they stepped into the sea.
ReplyDeleteI am, Toby thought- more than you know- this sea makes my gut feel like it hadn't felt since that night down the Ragged Ferret when we were 18. But then something else began- a new sound- a voice, in each of their minds, a neverending call that reassured and told them what they must do- the only thing they could do if they were to survive. The never ceasing refrain that got them in every sinew of their bodies and minds- 'the sea shall not have them.'