Prompt: A Nasty Rumor

Words: Antarctica, candy bar, sympathetic, minister, patrol, commonality, auction, bandage, crush, dive

Story

“Diane! Diane! Hold up!”

I took two more steps before stopping with a sigh. “Good morning, Kevin. What’s up? I’m headed out on patrol.”

“Did you hear? They’re going to auction off a trip here in a candy bar wrapper like we’re Willy Wonka or something!”

I gave him a sympathetic pat on his good arm. He still sported a cast and the random bandage from a crush injury from his last dive. “Never going to happen, my friend. The Minister won’t allow it. It’s…just no.”

“I don’t know, Diane. I’ve heard this from more than one source. The stories don’t change.”

“Commonality does not equal reality, Kevin.” Diane continued walking with Kevin hot on her heels. “I don’t see how it could be true.”

“Why not? Marketing people have done dumber things. It could happen. They did it in Antarctica. They could do it here.”

“Antarctica was on Earth. This is space. The expense and resources to get us here was ridiculous. No way a candy bar company will make it work.

Kevin followed her. “I hope you’re right. But just in case, can I hide with you when the tourists arrive?”

Word Count: 193

Written: 2/6/2020