My Short Short for the Day

 

(Photo by Ma)

 

 

“I'm so tired.” Ben whined. “When will we be there?”

  

“Come on wimpy, keep moving.” Ella snapped.

  

She had no idea how long they'd been walking but the sun was setting and it would get cold soon. They weren't prepared to stay out all night. She tried not to blame Ben but he had run off when Dad told them to stay close. She chased after him so he wouldn't get lost. Now they were both lost. She felt responsible for Ben's safety but she had no idea how to get back to camp. They had slid down a ravine and got turned around. It was too damp to stay put so they moved. She tried her best to sense the right direction but the more they walked she feared the further they were going away from the camp. Now, with no food, water or camping gear, they might be stranded out in the woods overnight.

  

“I'm scared Ella.” Ben slipped his hand into hers and looked up at her with teary eyes.

  

“It's ok Ben. We'll be alright.” Ella smiled. “It's an adventure, alright?”

  

Ella took a deep breath and let it out. Then looking around. She quickly spotted a cluster of trees. “There, that would be a good place to built a lean-to.”

  

“Just like the settlers?” Ben asked with a hint of excitement.

  

“Just like the settlers.” Ella said grasping onto the hope.

  

They worked quickly and soon a small lean-to was built. They gathered small sticks and some stones to build a campfire. Then shared the last of the water from Ella's water bottle.

  

“Ok, let's see if I can make a fire.” Ella chipped two stones together praying a spark would jump out.

  

“Ella? I know I'm not supposed to have this...please don't be mad.” Ben looked so nervous.

  

“It's ok Ben. I won't be mad.” Ella said still focused on chipping the stones.

  

“Here.” Ben stretched out his hand.

  

Ella took the object and grabbed Ben into a big hug. “Oh Ben, I'm so glad you didn't listen to Mom and Dad this time."

  

Ella used the lighter to start the fire and they sat side by side feeding twigs into it until there was a steady glow. The warmth spread through her and she knew they'd be alright now. Dad would see the fire and find them soon. She just knew it.



My Short Short for the Day

(Photo by Ma)


The day started like most days. The sun was warm and bright. The skies clear and blue. The wind gentle and smelling of toasted pine needles. Julia sat in the lawn chair enjoying the peacefulness of the early June morning. It promised to be another blissful day of relaxing and doing just as she pleased. Her favorite thing on a morning like this was to sit in her backyard, breath in the fresh air and dream of all the possibilities the day held. She sipped some cool water and closed her eyes, lying back in the chair and soaking up the sun.

She didn't know how long she had been resting when a sudden cold chill shivered through her. She opened her eyes with a jerk and looked around. Everything looked normal but the warmth was gone and the chill lingered. She looked around again then slowly turned her eyes upward. The glint of metal flashed in her eyes causing her to blink. It hovered for just a moment then disappeared. She stared at the spot where the flying saucer had been.

“Just my imagination.” Julia muttered picking up her bottled water and frowning as she went indoors. The chill remained on her skin even as she pulled on a sweater. She tried to shake off the unease that remained. “Maybe some breakfast will help.”

Julia cooked up some eggs and bacon, then sat at the table to eat and read her book. After a few moments she was lost in the pages of the latest JD Robb novel. Without a pause, she cleared her dishes with one hand and held the book with the other so she could continue reading even while cleaning up. After the kitchen was cleaned she settled onto the couch to get comfy while reading.

Soon a chill filled the air quickly followed by a knock at the...window. Julia dropped her book and turned to the window. How could anyone reach it? It was 2 stories up. She pulled the curtain aside and there it was, the shiny metal craft had returned and hovered at eye level outside her window. What could it want? It was just her imagination, right?

It tapped the window again, then against her will, she opened the window and moved aside to let the ship in. It hummed as it entered the house, spreading a chill in its wake. This can't be good she thought closing the window and turning to face the ship. Please help me, she screamed in her head as pinpricks of light shot out at her, burning her skin and through to her flesh and bone.