Bloodwater
by Lori R. Lopez
A miracle the crowd ringing a stone fountain believed, a divine mystery. Faithful pilgrims congregated at the site of the red water. Even after instruments confirmed it was blood — a mixture of human and other species — the devout remained steadfast, clinging to this phenomenon as if it proved their religious doctrines.
It was supernatural, agreed the scientists, but neither proved nor disproved anything. The debate escalated to a contentious dispute.
Rabid, a desperate sinner broke through barricades and plunged into the liquid, hoping for absolution, a blessing. The bloodwater churned, greedily consumed him, and drowned his gurgling screams.
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