Flash Fiction Challenge: Shape of an Ape.
My next submission is at Indies Unlimited.
The beginning of the story was provided by the administrator of the website:
Shape-shifting can be a tricky business. It doesn’t always go as quickly or as smoothly as I’d like.
It’s a tremendous help that humans share about 95 % of our DNA with other animals. That gives the elixir a jump start.
Whatever it is you change into though, it is very important to
remember you have to get back to the lab to take the antidote, or you
get stuck in your new form.
It’s also important not to get captured by zookeepers. I seem to be in a spot of trouble…
Below is the entry that I submitted:
The Vote:
I came in fifth place. Well, it really was not my best work. Had a hard time getting into the groove of it.
You see, I have lost my keys to the lab and am in need of some assistance. I know you are just the night janitor, but if you would be so kind as to let me into the lab, I would be most grateful. You do understand what I am asking, don’t you?
It was apparent he did not comprehend my primitive vocalizations. He only understood that I was in his territory and may be a threat. I had to think of something fast, lest I be left to live out my days in this furry body.
Spying the keys hanging from his belt loop, I immediately lurched forward to grasp what must certainly include a master key to my lab. Down the corridor, I ran towards the science department. The janitor, being too overweight to catch me, gave up the chase a few hundred yards from my lab entrance.
According to my calculations, I had less than five minutes to find the key that fits the lock. Since none were labeled, this might be cutting it close. With just a minute to spare, the last key on the ring turned the lock and I was in the lab.
But, someone had already taken the last dose of the antidote. My college-aged lab assistant was sitting in my chair with the empty bottle in his hand. I really should have fired him a long time ago. Now, I think I will just kill him.