Note: While I’ve since lost the required prompts, this story was limited to 100 words.

“Spilled Ink”

By Robert Docherty

Martin gulped until he needed air. He slammed the glass of water on the ship’s kitchenette, fumbling for a pack of cigarettes.

The door opened and Billy stepped in from the rain. “Fuck, what was that? The water w-was black-”

“Except for the eyes.”

Billy gulped. “Y-yeah, under the surface, j-just staring.”

“What grabbed Terrence was thicker than a man’s waist and it just slithered back into the water.”

Martin saw Billy’s eyes widen and his face pallor. He pointed at the glass by Martin’s elbow and Martin turned, stomach twisting as he saw the water turning an inky black.