Passage

Crammed inside the ship, the stench was overwhelming.  Animals once occupied its hull, but now people were its cargo.  Riding the waves, my stomach emptied frequently.

Will I ever arrive?

Saying goodbye to family was heart-wrenching.

Will I see them again?

The crew periodically took a few of us at a time onto the top deck.  My brother told me to jump overboard as soon as I saw land.   This morning, land appeared.

What will this new life be like?

Mother had told me, “It will be safer.”

I hope that will be true.

I jumped, swimming toward the unknown.

~~

“Friday Fictioneers” is a weekly challenge by Rochelle Wisoff Fields.  The challenge is to write a story, using only 100 words, in response to a photo prompt.  It has been a lot of fun to join in with this fantastic and encouraging group of writers!  This week’s photo was provided by JS Brand. Other stories can be found here.