Invisible Balloons

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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75 responses to “Invisible Balloons”

  1. Shallow Reflections avatar

    This could happen, Hugh. And to pen this with 99 words the first time? Much more than hot air!

    1. Hugh's Views and News avatar

      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.

      1. Shallow Reflections avatar

        That is amazing, Hugh!

  2. JT Twissel avatar

    Frightening analogy.It is true – we’re all in a bubble that could burst at any time.

    1. Hugh's Views and News avatar

      And, recently, I believe the doomsday clock was also moved to two minutes before midnight. Oh heck. 😟

  3. TanGental avatar

    Show off…. v good mind you!

  4. John W. Howell avatar

    Was very good. I like the un-love planet description.

    1. Hugh's Views and News avatar

      Thanks, John. A lesson to us all to look after Mother Earth.

  5. Chuck avatar

    Great piece and I love the imagery.

    1. Hugh's Views and News avatar

      Thanks, Chuck. Glad you could see the imagery.

  6. samfiftysomething avatar

    Thought provoking. Clever

  7. Jennie avatar

    This was interesting, Hugh. Very good!

      1. Jennie avatar

        You’re welcome, Hugh.

  8. Ritu avatar

    Balloons never scared me before…

    1. Hugh's Views and News avatar

      Me neither. No balloons will ever pass over the threshold of my home ever again.

  9. tidalscribe avatar

    I love the idea of our ballons popping – I shall be careful not to burst mine quite yet.

    1. Hugh's Views and News avatar

      It’s not so much us popping our own balloons, but more of what lurks inside them popping our balloons.

  10. Judy E Martin avatar

    Ooooh, very thought-provoking, Hugh, and scary too!

    1. Hugh's Views and News avatar

      Thanks, Judy. Feedback that goes to the top of my list and makes me smile.

      1. Judy E Martin avatar

        Well your stories make me smile Hugh, and cringe, and recoil, and sometimes bring a tear to the eye!

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