Here’s the next of my 100 word stories in the Spiral Staircase sequence.

Greyscale Ocean

Grant’s blistered palms bled, the harness rubbed skin raw under his arms.  Still the great fish fought him, pitching its primeval strength against his skill and equipment.  It seemed a fair fight.

Finally it leapt, its huge dorsal fin glistening in the sun.  Seeing that desperation to be free, Grant knew he had won and gave a triumphant shout.  Life was a competition he was designed to win.

Later, as the fish lay belly up against the stern, futility overwhelmed him and he cut the dead thing free.

Waves slapped the hull as blood dripped from his fingers.

~