The Sea Chest
Put down the axe and step closer.
Look past my rough edges.
My scars tell a story of voyages on rough seas, of card games lost and won, of drunken fights, of being hauled from one port to another, of sultry nights in brothels – the resting place for the buttocks of his favourite – that feel of quivering flesh.
Lift up my heavy lid and find painted inside on the rough wood a picture of my master’s ship - see how the sails unfurl from her masts. I was his prized possession.
Inhale. Have you caught the scent yet? There’s camphor of course – not so pleasant I agree.
Breath deeper, that’s right, nutmeg – just one of the many precious cargoes I carried.
The axe glints in your hand.
I beg you to reconsider.
Anita Goodfellow has an MA in creative writing from Bath Spa University. Her stories have been placed and shortlisted in various competitions including Flash 500, Retreat West, Trip Fiction, Cranked Anvil, Bath Flash Fiction Award and The Bedford Competition and published in numerous anthologies. She loves experimenting with flash. @nitagoodfellow
This story was shortlisted in the September 24 Monthly Micro Competition.