I’m pushed for time presently – editing – but I still wanted to contribute to D Wallace Peach’s wonderful March Speculative Fiction Prompt.
The eclipse hadn’t been predicted.
When the moon slid through the summer sky and blighted the winking sun, humankind had gazed up in wonder and awe. Wonder quickly shifted to concern, and awe turned to fear as the moon languished in front of the sun. Mutters and grumbles gave way to full-throated screams of panic as the sky stayed dark… for an hour. A day. A week.
As the preternatural darkness lingered, looting broke out in the streets and the best of mankind succumbed to terror. Calls for calm fell on deaf ears as the Governments of the world tried – and failed – to restore order.
Blind panic and the loose semblance of order were totally obliterated when the first Little One arrived. The being scuttled down Broadway, cobalt-blue eyes darting left and right, as rioters smashed buildings and fought one another for food, for dominance, for survival. A man holding a placard, decreeing the end is nigh, spotted the Little One first. He screamed that Satan’s minions were among them. The Little One stared as the man was beaten to death for his shoes.
More Little Ones were sighted. Milan. London. Sydney. Namibia. The last broadcasts before the system went down were of haggard-faced reporters screaming into cameras they’re here!
And still, the eclipse blotted the sky. And still the Little Ones watched and waited. And still, mankind turned in on itself and imploded under the abnormal phenomena. Perpetual night an excuse for perpetual chaos.
The Little Ones watched it all with their unblinking eyes and bird-like twitters, saying and doing nothing in return. They didn’t need to lift a finger to eradicate the human condition… darkness and terror was all it took to unravel ourselves.
Beautifully penned.
Such a talent, you are ❤️
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Aw thanks 🤗
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Yay, I enjoyed this one, Jessica!
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Thanks Priscilla 😊
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So cool. Maybe they just wanted directions, or some fuel. Did anyone ask?
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😏 that’s the problem with mankind, all woe is me and no practicality
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Oooh, that’s powerful! What a great micro fic. Well done, Jess!
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Thanks Mae 🤗
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Whoa. So chilling in its truthfulness. Yikes. Great story, my friend. I’m going to line it up to share. Awesome joy and Thank You! Happy Writing!
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Thanks D – and also for the exciting prompt! 🤗
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Short but very much to the point, well done Jess.
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Thanks Mike 😊
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You have a talent for saying so much in so few words. This is incredible, Jess!! Loved it! ❤
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Aw thanks you lovely thing 🤗
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Nice, Jessica… as society breakdowns go, that is! 😀
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Hehe, thanks Tom 😁
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Jessica, a powerful and atmospheric response to this tantalising prompt! You capture the whole breakdown of society in so few words … and leave us wondering about the Little Ones!
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Aw thanks Annika! 😊
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Reblogged this on Myths of the Mirror and commented:
Jess gives us a glimpse of what might happen if aliens “invade.” Enjoy the story.
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Thanks lovely one!
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You’re so welcome. Thanks for playing! 😀
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Brilliant writing.
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Many thanks 🤗
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Such an amazing, chilling story!
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Many thanks 🤗
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You’re welcome!
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This was fun to read! I really enjoyed it 🙂
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Glad to hear, Ethan, thanks!
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Let’s hope that when the time comes, as it does in small ways every day, we will keep ourselves hopeful and light bearing. Great take on the prompt!
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Thank you! It’d be nice to think we’re above such descent into chaos…. but I doubt it 😳
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Well I think you’re probably right if something like this were to happen now. But I remain hopeful that we’re still evolving 😉 Hopefully we won’t be tested before more are ready to respond differently.
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Unfortunately, I fear that’s exactly what would happen…(K)
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Me too 😳
Thanks for reading!
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A chilling tale, even more chilling is that it may be true.
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Thanks Jackie 😊
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Well-written response with an important message. Too close to what could happen.
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Thanks Sheron 🤗
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So well written! I truly hope it doesn’t quite happen that way. Scary…
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Me too!! Thanks for reading 😊
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This is a really clever story, Jessica. It reminded me a bit of The Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham, an all time favourite book of mine.
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Thanks Robbie, I’ve never read Triffids, but have seen the movie 😚
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That was awesome! Mankind… what are you going to do? Hmmm
Great story!
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Thank you!
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Great read!
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