Metal Coffin

There were warnings. But, who could really prove them to be anything more than propaganda? The Lusitania was the most luxurious passenger ship of its time, even while in third class. Besides, Gloria Shaw was severely sick and simply insisted on delivering her child to family in Liverpool. Nonetheless, Gloria’s husband begged, “Darling, please don’t go.” 

Gloria turned to hide her tears and nodded toward their six-month-old baby girl. “Not in front of Missy,” She’ll never know her mother, Gloria’s thoughts intruded. Tears began to carve canals into her face. Her husband, Andrew, took her hand and led her to the hallway. Whispers scratched the walls and dented the picture frames. Clouds of fear hung in the air and Andrew’s hope became waterlogged. She simply had to go. 

Days later, the nightmarish lullaby of the ocean rocked her soul into a state of hopelessness deeper than the sea. The days stretched and expanded like ocean waves. That is, until the moment the world moved quicker. Suddenly, a loud noise shook the corners of Gloria’s skull. Seconds slowed as another loud boom echoed deep into the water. Within minutes, the walls became the floors. She saw her baby’s head shatter like a horrific portrait on the wall. Not for long, however. Water overtook the ship, washing away any traces of a pulse. The screams turned to bubbles until faces became as blue as the ocean they were descending into. The metal coffin was sinking, and the cemetery with it.

November, 2022

@lyndibreypenmanship

Copyright by lyndibreypenmanship © 2022

All rights reserved