[Critique Group 2] Emailing: Moonrise Over Belize- Brad's piece for September 24th, 2020

[James]

Hey There Friends of Group 2

I have had multiple computer issues and email and internet were down since
the 16th. I can't for the life of me find Joan's piece for this session. I
went through about 100 emails. If someone could forward it as soon as may
be, I'd greatly appreciate it. Enclosed and attached, please find my piece
of flash fiction for our upcoming session.
Sure is great to be back!
BC 
***

Moonrise Over Belize

C By Brad Corallo

Word count 502

I wasn't planning on taking this vacation at all. It was one of those
impulsive decisions for which I am far from being famous. My friend Calvin
and his family sort of talked me into it and my good buddy, Ryan was
delighted when the potential vacation idea was floated in his direction.
Since we would be staying at a beach resort in distant Belize, we all felt
like we were leaving Covid 19 behind as much as is possible these days.

We were fortunate to score a direct Delta flight and we all sprang for first
class seating. So by the time we arrived at our resort, "Sun, Sand and
Peace" we were all feeling no pain or concern. How little did we know then?

It so happened toward the end of our stay, that one lovely evening we
gathered with new friends we had bonded with at the resort, and found are
selves all hanging on a heart breakingly beautiful tropical beach. Most of
us held tall glasses containing a multi-colored array of heavily fortified
Caribbean beverages. There was a small Rum distillery on premises which was
rightfully locally beloved. The day was gradually fading into twilight.
Behind us, paths transected the lush jungle flora. Reggae music, wafted from
the distant elegant beach cafe which was one of our favorite spots at the
resort.

Happy children were splashing in the ocean, calling to each other and
batting around a soccer ball. Its picturesque arcing through the sky of
darkening evening caught my attention for a memorable few moments.

Suddenly, Hank, the buzz-cut verbose American tourist, who was gazing at the
horizon and focusing his precision German optics declaimed "Not good! I see
what looks like eight vessels heading toward this beach." As they grew
closer, all could see large bore guns mounted fore and aft on swivels . The
creased and battered metallic hulls were of some color between green and
dirty grey. Each craft held at least 10 men dressed in cammo.

The beach became more and more deserted as the gunboats drew slowly closer.

"Here we go again, get out of the water and come with me quickly" A dark
eyed, anxious mother entreated her children loudly. Placing a calming hand
on my shoulder, Calvin opined: "could be a party,
could be a war. Well, we'll know soon enough. Let's go have a glass of wine.
Whatever's coming, there's nowhere else to go."

"Hel, let's have a bottle instead and it's my treat!" I said resignedly
thinking that actually it might be my last treat in more ways than one. It
was an immediately sobering realization that just taking a vacation could
potentially alter one's life for the worst in ways never anticipated. One
suddenly realizes that all our lives could go drastically south, as the
night deepens and before the moon fully rises over the beautiful welcoming
land of Belize.

Inspired by:" Waiting for the Moon."

By Bruce Cockburn. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v4N3M_gcKX20

jamesstarfire at gmail.com

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