(Written originally for Combatwords.)
I am Europa.
The bull stares at me from the other side of the fence, and I am transfixed. I've never seen a bull like this one, snow white despite lying in a rain-wet field churning with mud. The bull plods forward, his deep chest bumping against the rail. The damp wood flakes beneath my nails.
I am Europa, and this is my moment. The chance encounter which will change my life. All I have to do is grasp the horns.
The bull sticks his head over the fence, nostrils flaring as he inhales my scent. He's taller than I am, and the fence between us might as well be toothpicks. He sticks his nose in my face and I raise my hand, slow and easy. One toss of his head, and I won't even know what hit me. He snorts when I touch him, and his nose is velvet.
I am Europa, and this bull is my god. Zeus, Poseidon, Jehovah, Allah, Odin, Thor, or Amun-Ra. He leans into my touch, and I am blessed. I am alive. I am electric.
The bull lifts his head and meets my eyes. This is the moment. If I climb the fence, I can be his consort; I can be the queen of a foreign land.
The bull sneezes.
The fine mist of mucus is nothing to the spray of thick globs of gunk. I am coated in it, and my friend squeals beside me.
"Gross! Eww! C'mon, let's go. It's almost five, and your parents are coming."
I take my foot down off the fence and wipe my face on my sleeve.
Maybe I'm not Europa after all.
Haha! That ending definitely caught me off guard, but in a good way.
ReplyDeleteNow THAT was awesome!
ReplyDeleteHaha. Thanks both of you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteThat was fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tom!
ReplyDeleteOk, that's what I thought--a revision. I thought, 'hmm, maybe I was just being a jerk and didn't read the piece fairly the 1st time.' Then I realized, no, this is a revision. You did such a great job with it--you kept the soul of the 1st draft, but smoothed the edges. Good choice on increasing psychic distance; less rhapsodic, but dry wit suits this comp really well imo.
ReplyDeletePlay some Combatwords this weekend?
That was awesome!! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks Khakjaan! at first I was like "What? OVERwritten? it is so short!" but you were totally right, and I'm glad that you pointed to it.
ReplyDeleteI can't make any promises on the Combatwords front but don't worry, I have been checking back and I will definitely play again in the future, if not this weekend, then another!
Thanks Keriann! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
That is one clever young person. These days it's a miracle that kids know what europe is (and i'm talking about the ones who live in europe) let alone Europa.
ReplyDeleteI loved this story, and the rapid change from dream to reality worked well.
I love the strength of the narrator's voice Amalia! Also I FEEL SO BAD THAT I AM MONTHS LATE with this praise because it is awesome!
ReplyDelete