Hello, and welcome to Drabbletober. This is episode 22, for Tuesday the twenty-second of October 2024.

YO Ho Ho

by Elizabeth Guilt

The last visitor trudged reluctantly into the lashing rain, and Nigel rolled down the shutters. He rested his forehead against the window, enjoying the brief moments of peace.

There was a crash from the main exhibition hall, then muffled swearing.

He drew a deep breath.

"It's ok," he shouted, "they've gone".

Stormy nights were always the loudest. By the time he'd turned the corner, he could hear at least three shanties and a concertina.

The preserved fishing smack rocked on its hydraulic supports, grey figures spilling from the decks.

Nigel sighed, and went to the museum store room for rum.

In my head, this is how all museums work.

If you're a museum curator, please don't write in!