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.
© 2018 Copyright – All rights reserved – hughsviewsandnews.com
Click here to follow my ‘Entertaining Stories’ magazine on Flipboard.
Discover more from Hugh's Views & News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Hugh's Views & News 
This could happen, Hugh. And to pen this with 99 words the first time? Much more than hot air!
Yes, I was so shocked that I didn’t need to edit this one, Molly. I left it exactly as it came out of my head.
That is amazing, Hugh!
Thank you, Molly.
Frightening analogy.It is true – we’re all in a bubble that could burst at any time.
And, recently, I believe the doomsday clock was also moved to two minutes before midnight. Oh heck. 😟
Show off…. v good mind you!
Thanks, Geoff. 😀
Was very good. I like the un-love planet description.
Thanks, John. A lesson to us all to look after Mother Earth.
So true.
Great piece and I love the imagery.
Thanks, Chuck. Glad you could see the imagery.
Thought provoking. Clever
Thank you, Sam.
This was interesting, Hugh. Very good!
Thanks, Jennie.
You’re welcome, Hugh.
Balloons never scared me before…
Me neither. No balloons will ever pass over the threshold of my home ever again.
I love the idea of our ballons popping – I shall be careful not to burst mine quite yet.
It’s not so much us popping our own balloons, but more of what lurks inside them popping our balloons.
Ooooh, very thought-provoking, Hugh, and scary too!
Thanks, Judy. Feedback that goes to the top of my list and makes me smile.
Well your stories make me smile Hugh, and cringe, and recoil, and sometimes bring a tear to the eye!
Very nice, Hugh!
Thank you.
I don’t think I’ll ever look at balloons in the same way again! lol
Me neither, Jacquie. Just don’t allow anyone to blow anymore up (not even with a balloon pump). 🎈
You are a master at Flash Fiction, Hugh. Very powerful!
Thank you, Donna. That’s great to hear, especially given that I didn’t have to put any work into this piece of flash fiction.
Excellent piece of writing, Hugh.
Thank you, Darlene. And I didn’t even have to think this one out. I wrote it directly as it came from my mind and as soon as saw the prompt word.
Phew, Hugh, that is a deep one and it was obviously meant to be written 💜
Thanks, Willow. Yes, I think you are right. It was meant to be. Maybe it’s a warning to us all? 🎈
Indeed, indeed 💜
A very good response to the prompt, Hugh. Very different.
Thank you, Robbie. 😀
Woah… a Twilight Zone moment with the first draft 99, Hugh. Great story too. I hope you don’t have any pins in your pocket! Hugs.
lol, we may all just need those pins before whatever is in those balloons come out to get us, Teagan.
Thanks so much.
Hugs to you.
That was 99 words of power..
lol, thanks, Simon. It’s strange you said that, given that I’ve just had a piece about ‘the power of words’ published today on Charli’s blog. Coincidence, or what?
That is strange, like you say it’s funny how life is like that.
I hope it isn’t going to happen Hugh. 🌼
We’re safe, providing nobody ever blows up a balloon again, Brigid. 😈