A Moment in Aftermath

The ocean was blue all around Miguel. Even the blood rushing out from his
body, and those of his four friends, could not change that.

Burning chunks of boat bobbed on wavetops, already sinking or dispersing. Soon there would be no trace of what had happened here.

The drone retreated into soft, white clouds above.

Enzo had warned him that if he didn’t give up his fishing spot, he’d
report them to the americanos as drug runners. But Miguel was raised to
stand up to bullies. He hoped his boys would understand that and remember
when they grew into men.

Michael Wever is a part-time writer and occasional observer of the world around himself. This story muscled its way into his mind during a morning shower and refused to leave until it had been written down.

A Moment in Aftermath was the winner of our Annual Drabble contest to capture the year that was 2025 in 100 words.