“What Pegman saw” is a weekly challenge based on Google Streetview. Using the location provided, you must write a piece of flash fiction of no more than 150 words. You can read the rules here. You can find today’s location on this page, from where you can also get the Inlinkz code. This week’s prompt is Tolchester Beach, Maryland, USA.
The crossing
Jim drove towards the water, parked and sat in darkness. The far side of the estuary was spangled with lights.
He gulped bourbon from his flask, then stripped, folding his clothes neatly onto the seat. “See, Mom?” he slurred, not knowing whether it was a sneer or a lament.
Then he waded into the water and swam towards the far shore.
It’s five kilometres and he was not a strong swimmer. He would swim until exhausted and then quietly let himself slide under…
The water wasn’t cold, not at first anyway, not as cold as his loss. He swam steadily, his mind floating free. This wasn’t such a bad way to go.
A slap of water roused him. His limbs were shuddering, but still moving. Orange street lights! Close!
His left leg cramped.
Only one hundred yards to go.
His head was submerging.
Every stroke was agony.
He made it.
Autumn Leaves 