October Flash Lit #11 - Survival Kit

“As they walked off together, Alice heard the King say in a low voice, to the company generally, ‘You are all pardoned.’  ‘Come, that’s a good thing!’ she said to herself, for she had felt quite unhappy at the number of executions the Queen had ordered.” Alice in Wonderland, Chapter 9

First, get a box.  No, not that one with the flimsy pancaking inserts to separate wine bottles.  One that still has the flaps for the top, or, better yet, one of those banker’s boxes with the lid.  You want something sturdy and those handles could come in, well, handy.

Next, take the box somewhere private.  This part might be hard, but take advantage of any distractions that occur to get the box hidden in your closet or behind the tangle of garden implements in the garage.  Don’t tell anyone.

Then, as you assemble the other things, you have a safe place to keep them.

Every kit is, of necessity, unique.  You will have to adapt to your own needs, but consider including items from the following categories:

            • Food.  You need to keep up your strength.  Also, there is nothing quite as comforting as chocolate.

            • Comfort.  You may need a jacket or a blanket or both.  If you expect to stay a long time, a pillow can come in handy.  Do not bring shoes that pinch or clothes that restrict movement.

            • Concealment.  A blanket can do double-duty in this category.  Identity can be shifted with hats, dark glasses, etc.  If you need to conceal the surroundings rather than yourself, earphones can be used.

When you have everything together, shrink yourself down.  Smaller is better.  They can’t get you if they can’t see you.  Try not to make too much noise—it draws attention and that can destroy everything.

Open the book covers and slip inside.  Stay there until the danger passes.  It might be a while.