“The Dung Beetles”

Author’s Note: This is a Take Ten to Write story and has not been proofread for errors. If I feel inspired or if there’s interest in the story, I’ll post a revised, edited, and extended version at a later date. Happy reading!

Prompt: “Dung beetle.” — suggested by Mary

“Stupid Dung Beetles are at it again,” I mutter, letting the dirt tumble from between my fingers. Each individual grain of earth bounces a few times on the ground before settling back into its place. It’s dry. Much too dry.

“Bert!” I grab him as he passes. His eyes meet mine, immediately filled with alarm. “Did you see the Dung Beetles today?”

His face pales. “N-no,” he stutters, pulling at his moustache.

I scowl and transfer my grip to his shirt collar. “Where. Were. They.”

His lips tremble. “I don’t know.”

“I think you do know.” I pull him closer. So close that our noses are almost touching. “Listen, Bert. I can make your life very painful. Very. Painful.”

“I-I-I…”

“I-I-I,” I mock. My grip tightens on his shirt and I violently shake him, causing him to yelp. “Don’t play dumb with me. Tell me where they were.”

Tears begin pooling in his eyes. “Please, they said they would hurt my family if I told anyone what I saw.”

My lips pull back over my teeth. “Well, I‘ll hurt your family if you don’t tell me what you saw,” I snarl.

Final Comments: This protagonist was quite different from the POVs I’m used to writing, but I really enjoyed trying this new type of characterization!

Overall Rating: 😏