The Inkwell presents: Skin in the Game

By The Inkwell

This month we approached things a little differently, defining a setting for our writers to flex their creative muscles in. And what was that setting? Why, one of death and resurrection, with a sprinkling of godly interference.

Skin in the Game - Eleanor awakes to an unexpected and unwanted guest, and it's awkward for all involved.
A Forgotten Life - When her best friend is selected to be sacrificed, everything changes for Calathea, including her perception of reality.
Who Won? - Two wildly different men remind Kristina that life isn't all about playing it safe, even if doing so puts you at risk.
Brothers in Arms - The frontlines are a dangerous and terrifying affair, even if divine luck is on your side.
Trip of Two Lifetimes - After a lifetime serving others, Christian just wants a holiday, but the Gods seem bent on derailing his much-needed relaxation.
The Death of the Clean Person - The more effort one makes to maintain perfect cleanliness, the more attention one draws from those they wish to avoid.
Providence’s Longshot - While caught up in a gas station robbery, Chris realizes the deck is stacked against him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Inkwell
• Release date: Feb 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005824815

The Inkwell

We are a writing collective founded on Discord that currently includes 20+ writers all helping each other on the climb to completed works.

Book preview

Skin In The Game

Written by Rachel K Jones

This was extremely awkward for all concerned. Luckily, I was the only one currently aware of the situation. I wondered how I would explain this to her when she woke up. It wouldn't have been so bad if there wasn’t such a dull ache in her arse. That was proving unpleasant.

A nurse approached the bedside. Eleanor, she said. Time to wake up now. It's all finished.

Ellie snored softly and attempted to roll onto her side. She was oblivious to the nurse's words. The nurse placed her hand on her shoulder and gently squeezed. Eleanor, she continued, can you open your eyes for me, please?

Nothing stirred inside the young woman’s sleepy head. The nurse, undaunted, continued to attempt to rouse her. 

This was getting silly. We needed to get moving. Sooner rather than later. 

ELEANOR JACKSON, I shouted, WAKE UP NOW! 

Ellie's eyes flew open. She looked at the nurse and wriggled away with a horrified expression. The nurse, whose badge read, "Jayne", leant forward to help the other woman sit up. Ellie flinched, the discomfort in her back end reminded her of what she had been through.

Yes, I said. We had a colonoscopy.

You have had your procedure, dear, said Nurse Jayne. It all went well.

Actually, I interrupted, it was pretty awful, and I was awake the entire time.

What? stuttered Ellie, staring at the nurse.

Everything went well, Nurse Jayne repeated. I'll fetch you some water. You need to hydrate before we can discharge you. She turned from the bedside to fetch a drink.

Ellie tried to fix her gaze on the clock opposite, but was unable to make out the numbers.

It's just after three, I said. We need to get out of here.

Ellie froze. She slowly searched the room. 

She was alone. 

Hello? she whispered. Is someone there?

This was the moment of truth; everything was about to get complicated. With a heartfelt plea to any passing deity that didn't have a wager on my demise, I took a deep breath. This startled my host, who was not ready for the inhalation.

First, let me introduce myself, I began. I'm Christine. You can call me Chris.

Oh God! I'm hearing voices, said Ellie as she reached for the call bell. I stopped her attempt before her hand lifted from the bed.

Ellie, please stay calm, I said. Yes, you can hear my voice, but only because I'm in here with you.

In where? I can't see you! 

I'm borrowing space inside your body for a while. It was rude not to give you some notice, and I apologise.

Go away! Please go away! squeaked Ellie. I don't want any voices!

I'm afraid I can't do that, I said. We're stuck together until I can sort out my mess.

You're not real. You're a result of all that stuff they gave me!

I clasped Ellie's hands together. I felt her panic rise as she tried to separate them. I wriggled her toes, blinked her eyes, and stuck out her tongue. Finally, I pushed her elbows out sideways, and held them there. 

Now I'm going to relax everything, and we can talk, okay?

Okay, she whispered. Please don't hurt me. I don't want to be a crazy-hurty person.

I relaxed her body and let her rest on her pillow. 

Ellie, I know this is a lot to absorb, but you have to put some trust in me, I said. "We are in danger. Well, actually, I am in danger, but now you are, too. Sorry."

Ellie said nothing. I could feel her terror.

"Like I said, I'm Chris. I am... sorry, I was, seventy-three years old. I died about an hour ago in the long-stay unit upstairs. Just popped off in my sleep. Nothing special."

You're a ghost, then? That's not as bad as a floaty voice thing.

No, not a ghost, but I am dead. It sounds strange, I know. But, you’ll have to believe me when I tell you that the danger is real.

Ellie swallowed hard. It felt bizarre; I was not expecting the sensation. There was an awkward silence.

We have to get out of here. Please, trust me. They are already playing again, and we won't be safe until sunset. Can you help me?

Why should I trust you? You aren't real! She stuck her chin out at the absurdity of the thing.

Nurse Jayne returned, water in hand. Who is not real, Eleanor? Are you feeling confused?

I felt the conflict raging within her, the upside-inside-down world that she felt. All was not lost, though. There was a bud of belief growing in her consciousness. I tried to think of something to help it bloom.

In her left-hand pocket, she has a toffee her son gave her this morning, I whispered. Ask her!

What? asked Ellie.

Pardon? said Nurse Jayne.

Ask her, I said. Go on. Then you'll know you're not imagining me.

Ellie took the water and sipped at it while the nurse noted her observations.

You're doing really well, Eleanor, she said. You'll be out of here in no time.

Do you like toffee, nurse? Ellie said.

I could feel the embarrassment flushing her cheeks. Still, she persevered. That's my girl,