Grandest Ship in the World

Grandest Ship in the World (151 Words)

It wasn’t the grandest ship in the world. There was something almost artificial about its construction, like a Lego toy. But it was Jasper Day’s darling, and the staff and crew knew better than to say a single word of criticism. Near Christmastime, it was hard to keep quiet.

As if it couldn’t look any worse, Captain Day decorated the bright yellow mainmast with lights. It was enough to make the cook cry into his soup.

“As soon as I can, I’m transferring to a respectable ship,” he said. “You hear me, Jasper? This is a smirch on my reputation.”

“Oh sure, and if I believed you I’d cry.” The captain’s Irish accent was softly teasing. “But I’d be happy to put out a plank for you.”

The cook wielded his spoon at him. “Just don’t go decorating my kitchen with holly,” he warned, “or we’ll see who’s walking that plank!”

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Written in response to Flash Fiction for the Purposeful Practitioner’s prompt. Check it out!