Some Would Call It Worthless (Inktober, Wednesday, October 28, 2020)

For Inktober, Wednesday, October 28, 2020. Prompt word: “float.” Tuckerization: Bec J. Palmer

This is a reminder that volunteering for tuckerization only means a character in the story shares the participant’s name. Other than that, no other similar characteristics are implied.

Some Would Call It Worthless is the first in what I call the City Cycle. It is continued in The Library, and those who continue on the eastward road find themselves Fogbound. 

 

Some Would Call It Worthless

by Alan Loewen

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Visitors to the ancient, mysterious city of Sarkomand usually find it by accident, becoming lost driving on a dark country road, or being led astray by a shady tour guide in some foreign country. Others sometimes awaken in the city only to find their bed transported at night to a small, dingy room.

When Bec Palmer suddenly found herself a reluctant guest in the time-worn city, a glance at the narrow streets pitted with potholes, dark alleys filled with refuse, trash bins reeking with the stench of rot, and residents who would not stop for questions soon made her label Sarkomand worthless. Life for her became a mission to find an exit back to home. There was a road that led east and many people left Sarkomand to discover what lay beyond, but Bec wanted home, not more mystery.

However, Bec’s natural pragmatism soon led her to discover the city’s hidden charms. The owner of the darkened bistro, with its floor and tables covered with old stains, was quite capable of serving up dishes that tempted the palate of the most jaundiced gourmand. Stores with broken windows sealed with moldy cardboard often held rusty shelves filled with treasures from exotic locales. Dead-end streets led to gardens of exotic blooms and fragrances floating in the air. Run-down, store-front churches that appeared at first glance unworthy to bear the title “House of Worship” contained truths that spoke of Heaven itself.

Yes, many who found themselves in the city wallowed in spite and bitterness, but some, like Bec, soon lost their desire to leave. In Sarkomand, she found a home filled with wonder.

Lee, Marie Anna, "Children in an alleyway" (2010). All Photographs. 3282.

https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/kam-photos/3282