PROMPT: YOU’VE NEVER FELT THE SAME AFTER LEARNING MORSE CODE. THE RAIN KEEPS TELLING YOU TO RUN.

My response. I would love to see your all’s responses in the comments (no judgments on “your all’s,” please. I’m from Kentucky, and here it’s a totally valid phrase.).

TRIGGER WARNING: SENSITIVE CONTENT

I was conscripted into the military. We all were, really. The unit I was assigned to was being prepared for infiltration behind enemy lines, and I learned their languages. One of those languages I learned was a system of dashes and dots they called Morse Code, after the man who invented it. And it changed my life forever.

Ever since I learned it, I’ve heard messages in places that made no sense. The rain tells me to run.

.-. ..- -.

The treads of a tank rolling by tell me to hide.

…. .. -.. .

The drums played at a nearby temple tell me time is running out.

– .. — . / .. … / .-. ..- -. -. .. -. –. / — ..- –

Even the anchor chain of a ship in the harbor says to get away.

–. . – / .- .– .- -.–

This morning, as I look up to see two small planes flying over, a motorcycle goes by, and the engine growls that it’s too late.

– — — / .-.. .- – .

My world is suddenly filled with blinding light. When my vision clears, I see a strange cloud rising over Hiroshima. A blast of hurricane-force wind slams into me, and then I feel nothing at all.

I should have listened.