Monday, September 21, 2009

Tiny Tale Tuesday, The Netters



The Netters sprang from behind the kelp-shrouded blind and raced sloppily across the mushy sand toward the boy.

It was a rare sighting, and they held their great nets high overhead, each daring to hope she might be the one to snag a boy as a prize.

The last time anyone bagged a boy was when one was caught playing with fat, happy sea cows. But after the Fur Snatchers robbed the sea cows of their pelts, the survivors stopped being happy and went away. The Netters knew where they had gone, but no boys were to be found there.

Flora Net leaped over a slick rock and stubbed her toe, which was soft and pink as a baby's. "Arrgh!"

The boy glanced toward the Netters and jumped higher than Flora ever could.

"Look at him leap! How he flies!" exclaimed Star Net.

"Shut up, Sister, and move your tail. He gets away."

By the time the Netters mastered the rhythm of their limbs and came to where the boy had been, he was gone. Nothing but a small, boyish footprint in the sand, fading as the tide lipped it.

"No one will believe we saw a boy." Flora relaxed her body into the retreating water, let it tug on her hair, as she floated out to sea.

Star joined her, watching the first of her namesakes gleam in the darkening sky.

"Someday, my sister, we will catch a boy. Someday."


Tiny Tale Tuesday is an irregular feature--thanks to blog friend Robyn who suggested I make it so after I last posted a photo with a flash fiction accompaniment. I took this shot as the sun set in San Clemente. And, yes, technically I'm posting this Monday night--blame it on the Netters.

13 comments:

Natalie said...

I loved the imagery. I want to know what happens when the netters catch a boy. That could make a great MG book.

Andrea Cremer said...

What a wonderful excerpt - I don't know whether like or fear the Netters; they seem sweet and evil at the same time. Hope we'll get to see more!

Shelli (srjohannes) said...

who are the netters - hmmmmmmm

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Natalie: That's a nice vote of confidence. Maybe it will become a book someday. I just made it up when I took the photo. The Netters need mythology created for them.

Andrea: I think you hit exactly what the Netters are--sweet and evil. Not human.

Shelli: Indeed. They are just now entering the outer realms of my imagination.

kah said...

Awww I loved it. More! More! :)

Unknown said...

As the tide lipped in...

Amazing.

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Karen and Suzanne: Thank you, lovely ladies!

Linda Kage said...

Oh, I like your excerpt. Sounds very sci fi. I wonder if those Netters ever catch them a real boy.

MG Higgins said...

Tricia, this little tale is very intriguing. It raises so many questions that I'd like answered!

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Linda: Hmmm, that is the question....

Melissa: I'm tickled you want them answered...If I ever write it, I'll let you know ;) Really, this was an impromptu tale based on the photo. I like the concept of tiny tales imagined from pictures. It's an experiment. It's fun, and rewarding when other people seem to have fun with it, too.

Donna said...

Your story is a gem in that it can be read and enjoyed in its present tiny completeness.(Always leave'em wanting more, right?) Or it can be expanded into a longer story or novel.

I look forward to your next Tiny Tale Tuesday.

storyqueen said...

Again, you have posted a snip of something you might want to think of continuing. I really love the middle grade voice in this.....


Shelley

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Donna: I'm glad it was complete as a tiny tale (my intent) but am also pleased folks see it could be expanded.

Shelley: I'm thrilled you like the voice. I figure you've got a good handle on what kids like, so that is encouraging. I guess this should go into a to-be-developed file. :)