Peaches and Screams

Terry stretched out his hand toward Allison, while the raging river swirled around the blue sedan. “This is no time to worry about the kitty! Grab my hand!”

“But Peaches,” Allison pleaded, “She’ll die!”

“Just grab my hand!” Terry dangled from the rope as the fierce wind from the helicopter’s blades drown out his shouts. Terry shook his head. “I must be crazy,” He muttered, and let go. The chilly water pummeled his body like a thousand simultaneous pins. His heart pounded like a bass drum.

The chaotic water gushed around him as he poked his head through the half-submerged passenger window. A kitten clung to a headrest. His muscles straining against the current, he grabbed the pitiable animal from its perch, and it dug its claws into his clammy skin. He grimaced as blood spouted forth, but he held tight.

Terry struggled up to the roof where he saw the blonde girl – frightened and half-frozen. He held up the cat, and her eyes lit up. She crawled toward them.

His attention turned toward the swaying rope, just out of reach. Frustrated he gave the cat to her while he tried again to reach it. Suddenly, a large branch smacked the side of the vehicle. The car lurched in the tumultuous water. We're out of time.

Terry turned and snatched up Allison and leapt for the elusive rope. His iron strong hand gripped the life-saving twist of nylon, and he looked down and smiled. The car yawed and tumbled into the jaws of the devouring river. He could breathe again.

The helicopter climbed into the air about a hundred feet when a popcorn sound from the helicopter caught Terry’s ear. Sparks showered down upon them. The smoke filled engine sputtered and stalled.

“Hold on, Allison! We’re going down!” He screamed.



300 Words
Flash Story Must contain: Popcorn, Drum, Kitten