For this weeks Flash! Friday we had to incorporate the theme of Freedom into a story about the following prompt:
Berlijn Plantation, Commewijne, Suriname. Public domain photo by Brokopondo.
In the nick of time
As the horse charges through the water I grip the reins with fierce determination. I’ve been to this plantation before, enough to know that the news I carry cannot get their soon enough.
There is a haunting sound in the distance, a slow and steady crack, like tiny thunder. As I round the corner I see a tattered figure hanging limply from a post as the Master brings back the whip. I shout out, “Stop!”
He looks up, curious as to who dare disturb his favorite sport. I skid to a halt, thrusting the letter at him.
He sneers, “I will deal with the mail later boy, can’t you see I’m busy?”
“It’s important.”
He tears it open and I watch his whole world fall apart. He angrily stuffs it in his pocket and turns back to continue the punishment. I steer the horse to protect his victim.
He yells, “You’ll pay for this insolence!”
“No sir, but you will.”
