You can’t see me, but I’m watching you. You people interest me. Why are some of you unfaithful to the ones you say you love? Why do some of you murder those of the same kind? Why do some of you allow ‘hate’ to rule your minds?
You don’t know it, but each of you has a balloon. Like me, they are invisible to you but surround each of you. When your balloon bursts, you die.
It won’t be long, now, before my balloon bursts and you will all die. This planet, you all so un-love, will be mine.
I have no idea where this piece of flash fiction came from. I didn’t even have to think about the prompt. The first (and only draft) was precise 99-words long. That’s never happened to me before.
Written in response to the 99-word flash fiction challenge with the theme of ‘Balloons‘ over at the Carrot Ranch.
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Hugh's Views & News 
I’m not sure that I will look at balloons in the same way. 🙂
That’s my job done, then. 😀🎈
Hugh, these balloons belong with clowns…rather sinister! Well done and quite a fluke with the word length. It was meant to be.
xx Rowena
Yes, you’re right, Rowena. It was certainly meant to be and to also be left as that first draft. I rather like clowns. It’s dolls that terrify me, especially the ones that watch your every move and blink.
Thanks, Hugh. Thought you’d like this one. When I was in Paris, I went to the markets at Clignancourt and saw this row of porcelain doll heads for sale in a cabinet. That was haunting and I written a short story about suicide in the River Seine at the time. I also did a solo reading at the Shakespeare Bookshop at the time and read the story there. It seems that often that great high, I became a closet writer when I returned to Australia. Became corporatized for awhile. Glad I got out! xx Rowena
99 words in one go! Whoa! That’s a mighty effort. Have to hope his (your) bubble doesn’t burst. 🙂
I know. I even shocked myself when I finished the first draft, checked the number of words, and it was 99, Norah. That’s never happened to me before. Plus, I was happy to leave everything as it was. 😀
I can’t think of one thing to argue with.
A chilling flash with a touch of sinister prophecy. Well done, Hugh!
Thank you, Charli. I particularly enjoyed this challenge.
A story that makes total sense and was meant to be, Hugh! Now, if only everyone would listen to balloons. 🙂
Thank you. Yes, I hear them talking to each other, Liesbet 😀And they are starting to get louder. 😱
Awesome, Hugh, evil balloons! Must be a helium-high!
lol, yes, whatever inside is even eviler when the balloon is filled with helium, Terri. *cue evil laugh* 😈
First try, 99 words exactly? You are the master! Word bubble comes to mind. 🙂 ❤ Imagine if everyone could read our word thought bubbles? 🙂
Or even our thoughts, Debby. Yikes, I would have got myself into all sorts of trouble had that happened. 😇
xx
Lollllllll, wouldn’t we all! 🙂 xx
Your spooky ninety nine and the sinister whisperings are no surprise to me. It reminded me of Patrick McGoohan’s 1960s masterpiece The Prisoner and Hugh your not that far from Port Merrion.
I know. It’s a place I must visit someday…before it’s too late. 😀
To late? To wear a suit with a black polo neck. 😁😂
Before those balloons start popping 😈🎈
The master at work… always a twist 🙂
The Master? That makes me think of The Master on Dr Who, Carol, but I like him a lot. 😀
HaHa…That’s good 🙂
Balloons. 9 people out of 10 think birthday parties. You however, get all sinister and threatening…never change 🙂
I’m gonna have to surprise you all, one day…
It sounds like a lot of hot air to me, Hugh! You are a talent to be reckoned with! LOL! 🤗
lol, thank you, Janice. Those hot air balloons are the ones that really worry me. 🎈