THE WOUNDED ‘STRANGER’

http://publicdomainarchive.com/public-domain-images-mountains-snow-birds-white-black-grey-fog/

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THE WOUNDED ‘STRANGER’

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We were within a mile-and-a-half of the service roads when we found it.

“Mandy… It’s alive?”

Incredulously, the adventurous couple watched as one arm of this haired-being reached out and grasped the rock edifice.

Suddenly, it was sitting upright.

“Bāng zhù,” it muttered. “Bāng zhù.”

“What’s it saying?”

“Asking for help?”

“What’s it need?”

“Probably wants us to keep those vultures away … get it to a place of safety.”

“I don’t want to touch it!”

“Don’t be rude!”

“It doesn’t speak English.”

“Your tone is rude.”

“Too bad…That creature is…”

“Mandy… Stop.”

Slowing kneeling beside of the creature, Matthew placed his shoulder under the creature’s armpit. Immediately, the creature tried to arise.

“Mandy…Help him!”

Reluctantly, Mandy stood close to the other’s side.

Stumbling forward, it seemed to take the lead. It was leading them toward the forested area.

“Just keep in step. Let him take us to where he wants to go.”

“This isn’t what I bargained for.”

“I can’t believe this is happening. We’re going to a Pinyin village.”

“I’m not worried about our arrival. I’m more concerned, will they let us leave?”

“Kindness is always rewarded.”

No more than three hundred meters into the dense glade, the wounded creature paused.

Just ahead … three wood-framed huts encircled a small fire.

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Written for Flash Fiction for the Purposeful Practitioner: Week #3- 2016. Requirements: Using the photo prompt and the opening line, create a 200 word flash fiction story.