Submerged Stalker

The porcelain ledge grew too dry for my ribs. I slithered over the smooth rim and tumbled down into the base of the deep white tub. A shallow pool of stagnant water waited around the metal drain plug. I submerged my spine. My vertebrae undulated with eerie ease as water surged through my open ribs. Floating right beside me was an orange plastic rubber duck, bobbing dumbly. I glided beneath the surface, circled the yellow beak, and rammed into its buoyant flank with my snout. It tipped sideways, squeaking a muffled gasp of hollow air. I coiled tight around its synthetic neck, dragging it under my belly against the cold, slick drain. It does not bleed, but it stays drowned beneath my bone.