“Pathway closed. Rift secure,” announced a warm voice, filling the air around two bewildered humans. Adult and child; woman and girl.
A different being approached. Human, only in appearance.
“Welcome,” it said, robes fluttering, “we trust your journey was painless?”
“Please help,” the woman held the girl close, “she’s-“
“Yes, we’ll take care of the child,” the being smiled.
Others came to collect her.
“No need for thanks,” the being motioned, “there’s much time.”
A chill ran through the woman before the warm voice gently eased it away.
“She’ll be healed soon,” the voice uttered, lulling her into inaction.
© 2021 Rebecca Glaessner
April 15, 2021, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story that seeds generosity. Who is generous and why? Think of generosity as planting a future outcome. Go where the prompt leads!
Submissions now closed. Read the full collection here.
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Rebecca Glaessner Author 
This is a powerful and somewhat disturbing piece, Rebecca, expertly constructed and leaving us squirming with conflicting thoughts and questions.
Excellent.
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Thanks Caeyr. I love stories that make us squirm!
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If so few words cause any reaction then you have succeeded, I think
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Very true! 99 word stories are a challenge, but such great practise for the craft.
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Thanks for so generously sharing this piece Paige!
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I love your intrinsic optimism. So many future prophesies say that terrible things come to us, but here you imagine something healing. That’s powerful!
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I like to think the aliens have that power over us, only to help us. If they become so advanced, surely they have an intrinsic optimism also. A desire to solve every problem and believe no one is a lost cause.
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Yes, I am more creeped out suspicious than convinced of their generosity. But perhaps that’s not very generous of me.
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I like that you’re questioning your perception of these characters. Nothing is as it seems! Thanks for commenting 😊
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A bit of a chilling twist…
to be healed, but to what end,
and at what cost?!
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The possibilities are endless and spooky. To be a human in an alien world, with no power or control, who knows what will happen? Their guise of helpfulness is suspicious.
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You manage a balance between uncertainty and hope in your flash, Rebecca.
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Thanks Charli, this balancing act was a tricky one!
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It’s nice to hear that not all alien beings want to wipe out humans, that some actually want to heal those who are sick or injured.
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Yes, my aliens are fascinated by us, but don’t wish to cause harm or disrupt our ways. I’m enjoying crafting their world, it’s been a challenge but also refreshing.
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