MIDDLE EARTH
Word Count: 315
It’s unlikely that Gerard would have found Middle Earth had he not fallen into the sinkhole that swallowed his car in the driveway. Before the police, the fire department, the reporters got there, he’d lowered himself down to grab the GPS out of the glove compartment. He saw the tunnels that spread out right under his lawn, his house, the neighborhood, and along with the GPS, took off underneath his garage.
The tunnels were dim but easily followed so Gerard kept on a main path. He walked for a while without noticing the walls smoothing out, lanterns like upside-down lollipops overhead in colors of lemon, strawberry, orange and grape. He heard a hum up ahead.
When Gerard entered the room the party was ramped up blasting. The music drove a beat that must have felt like tremors up on the surface. A pretty girl with short auburn hair and big breasts asked him to dance. He did, not sure of the steps but following her lead.
He found the bar and ordered a Jack Daniels neat. He downed it and ordered another. The room was huge, like a banquet hall but darkened to intimate club light. He felt hungry and wandered around until he found the buffet where he unashamedly loaded his plate. He didn’t know how long he’d been there, he figured maybe a half hour or more before he realized he’d better get back to the car.
Gerard was just climbing out when the fire and police men were preparing to go down after him.
“Fine,” he said, “I’m fine.” He accepted a hand-up and dusted himself off.
“We got worried. You wouldn’t answer us when we hollered down to you.” The policeman smiled, happy he’d scored a rescue. Then he frowned. “You been drinking, pal?” he asked.
Gerard grinned and nodded.
