-This is a work of fiction based on The Gashlycrumb Tinies, a poem and alphabet primer by Edward Gorey. It is rated T for violence resulting in accidental and intentional deaths. This work is written purely for entertainment value. Please don't sue me.-
U is for Una
by Elisabeth Henry
'Isn't', said Una.
'Is,' said Penny.
'Nah', said Una. 'Is one of those wossnames. Rummers.'
'Rumours!' her mother called from the drawing room.
Penny looked dubious. 'Dunno. Sure seems like a good story.'
'C'mon.' Una pulled Penny to her feet. 'I'll show you.'
The girls left the house and headed down the street to the corner. A large grate was set into the concrete, water running into it from the recent rainstorm. It was currently open.
Una approached it carelessly. She slipped on a pile of soggy leaves and fell into the drain. There was a splash, and she squeaked in surprise.
'Una?' Penny called. 'D'you see any?'
There was a crunching noise, like bones breaking. Two huge, reptilian eyes peered up from the dark.
'Huh,' Penny mumbled. 'So there really are alligators in the sewers.'
The gator spit out a piece of Una's dress and sank down into the murky water to wait for its next meal.
U is for Una who slipped down a drain...