Flash Fiction: The Fish That Dreamed of Being on T.V.
Long Symptoms ©Ney Milá
“I’m too big for the ocean,” burbled Gerald the fish.
His wish was to be on television. Then he would be all over the world. He encountered his manager at the end of a fishing rod. Imagine the fisherman’s surprise when the fish began to speak. He pitched his idea to the fisherman, who danced with glee.
“I’d really appreciate it,” said Gerald, “if you’d represent me.”
It was such a shame the fish didn’t notice the white powder sprinkled below the fisherman’s nostril.
The fish made his first appearance on Animal Planet. Little did he know it was going to be his only appearance. Apparently, people find it hard to understand a fish in the water. Without another thought, his manager pulled Gerald out and presented him to the camera. Instead of hearing his story of courage and ambition, they heard hollow gasps for air. He floundered and flopped till there was no sound left to be made. The world mourned for poor Gerald the fish. The fish got a taste of not only success, but death. And all he wanted was to be on T.V.
You can see more of Ney Milá’s work here
