‘There’s something in this one,’ Flora said, shaking a bottle. Green water swirled and an object clunked against the side.

‘Let’s go home,’ said Richard. ‘There’s nothing worth salvaging.’ He turned over plastic and tangled netting with the toe of his boot. ‘It’s all twenty-first century shit. How come they were so stupid, so wasteful?’

‘I can’t quite make it out.’ Flora held the bottle up to the weak sun.

‘A message to the future people?’ said Richard, sarcastically. ‘Sorry, we fucked up.’

Flora peered closer, shook the bottle again. ‘Wait,’ she said. ‘I think it’s moving.’ Slowly, she turned the lid.

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A Friday Fictioneers story. Click here to read more and here to join in. Thanks to Sandra Crook for this week’s picture. I’d love to know what you think – so let me know in the comments.

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For those who have been following my journey to publication you can read the third installment here.