Rivals

Photo credit: Louise, the Storyteller’s Abode

Written as part of a challenge called Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers, details are available at https://flashfictionforaspiringwriters.wordpress.com/2016/07/25/fffaw-challenge-week-of-july-26-2016/

Jonathan had finished installing the final tripwire.  The electric fence had been burrowed underneath.  Scent markers, mole repellents, harsh chemicals, bundles of human hair, everything short of armed combat has led to rows of plants dissapearing overnight. 

“Eden was populated by a snake.  The snake simply made us suffer but left the food alone!  He did not seem to believe destroying all food sources was appropriate.  Save a single apple!  These horrific beasts…..these horrific spawn…I don’t know if I need to use silver tips to defend my garden.” Jonathan stares out along the perimeter.   His long rifle would do just fine,  but the bleeding hearts that eat from the grocery oppose this idea with laws. “Let the varmints take away their can opener!  Chew the compressor out of their fridges!”

He looks at the harvest wheelbarrow, empty. He sighs.  “It was a work of love.  There is no share with these critters.  They take and take.   Why can’t they understand a little is OK?! They know no limits!” The one groundhog looks at his friend.  

His empty eyes looks at all the food for just him alone.  He never appreciates the hard work done to loosen the soil. Last time it was sharp rocks under the fence.  Then the electric fence.  Poison that bleed into his good as well. Noises to scare them off. They were under attack.  The farmer stole their families home.  Then locked them out.

The rivals locked in a fierce struggle.  The outcome will never completely be said.  Just escalating tactics. 

“I’ll harpon which ever ones of you dare step here.” Jonathan steps off the board. He hears a thud.  His shin burns.  He set off his own trap.  This time it’s a bruise.