,

The Porthole

Everybody has a chance, but it does depend on where you are at the time it appears. I only say that because I am sure I have seen some of the faces here, before. Like, for example, your face.

Now, as we watch the young child take her chance to join us, I will do all I can to make sure she makes it in time, but I need your help too.

What I have created now looms in front of her. If this had been happening a few years ago, I would have had full control over how long the porthole on our spaceship would remain open. Now, however, my power over my creation seems to be weakening.

Even though I know life has been cruel to this child, you’re not so sure, are you?

From what I have witnessed, this child will be a credit to both of us. And, as our world is dying, we need all the souls we can get to build our army.

“Run, child, run,” I shout, as she nears the opening. But you remain silent. Why?

We need her to help save our world. Don’t you see that?

My heart drops when I see the porthole begin to close. I can hear my followers behind me screaming, yet you remain silent. I hope the child makes it through in time.

With a mighty leap, she makes it through before it closes.

“Daddy,” she whispers, as she wraps her arms around my waist. I could tell she now felt safe.

“Now go, child, go do all the bad things you really meant to do when you were on that world. No more being good and trying to make yourself acceptable because of what others told you. The world you have just left was too cruel to you.”

As she looks up at me and smiles, I know she will not fail me.

“Thank you, Father. I always wanted to meet the Devil and come to Hell.”

***

Written in response to the Monthly Speculative Fiction Writing Prompt, from Diana, at Myths of the Mirror. Click here for full details.

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74 responses to “The Porthole”

  1. roughwighting avatar

    ACK! What a twist. I didn’t see it coming, even thoughtthe ‘vibe’ was strange and I knew something was up. You kept us reading every single word. So enjoyed, Hugh.

    1. Hugh's Views and News avatar

      Thank you, Pam. I’m glad you enjoyed it, and I’m glad you never saw the twist coming.

  2. Jessica Bakkers avatar

    Very unsusal POV you wrote this piece in. Created an odd ‘off-kilter’ feeling that was deliciously brought home by that dark twist. Great piece.

    1. Hugh's Views and News avatar

      Thank you very much, Jessica. I’m glad you enjoyed it. It sat in my draft folder for a few weeks as I wasn’t quite sure about it. It seems to have gone down very well.

      1. Jessica Bakkers avatar

        Oh don’t ever sit on something! Let it live!

  3. Tien Skye avatar

    This is a fun read! So twisted and unexpected. I love the imagination behind this. Lovely writing

    1. Hugh's Views and News avatar

      Thank you so much. I’m glad you enjoyed reading it and liked the twist I gave it.

  4. What Words May Come avatar

    And then there’s that… Great, new twist!

    1. Hugh's Views and News avatar

      Thanks, Kevin. I always enjoy giving my stories an unexpected twist.

      1. What Words May Come avatar

        Well, as they say… The Devil’s in the details!!! Ha

  5. mylilplace avatar

    Really didn’t expect that ending. Nicely done!

    1. Hugh's Views and News avatar

      Thank you. I’m always very happy to hear that the ending was unexpected.

  6. CarolCooks2 avatar

    Unexpected as always…You got me yet again, Hugh :)

    1. Hugh's Views and News avatar

      That’s what I like to hear, Carol. 😀

  7. gizzylaw avatar

    Hugh, I loved this the first time I read it. Reading it again on the Senior Salon was a real treat!

    1. Hugh's Views and News avatar

      You’re welcome, and I’m so pleased you came back to read it. Thank you so much.

  8. Liesbet @ Roaming About avatar

    Well done, Hugh. As always! I see you’re starting your next book, “Extra Glimpses” already. :-)

    1. Hugh's Views and News avatar

      Yes, it has its beginnings, Liesbet.

  9. Teri Polen avatar

    Wow. Didn’t see that one coming, Hugh. Nice and dark!

    1. Hugh's Views and News avatar

      Thank you, Teri. Music to my ears. 😀

  10. dgkaye avatar

    Loved it! Seems the little girl left one ‘hell’ of a world for another, lol. <3

    1. Hugh's Views and News avatar

      In today’s world, very true, Debby.
      xx

      1. dgkaye avatar

        Just sayin’. :) <3

  11. Terri Webster Schrandt avatar

    Twisty-wisty, Hugh! Love it. The bad seed returns home!

    1. Hugh's Views and News avatar

      Indeed, Terri. We never know where that bad seed can turn up.

  12. Aimer Boyz avatar
    Aimer Boyz

    “I always wanted to meet the devil.”
    Love it :)

  13. Debbie Bugezia avatar

    Great story and I was shocked at the ending! Really enjoyed this one too! Thanks for sharing!

    1. Hugh's Views and News avatar

      Glad you enjoyed it, Debbie. Thanks so much for reading it.

  14. thoughtsnlifeblog avatar

    You had me hooked, but i did have to shut my eyes a bit .

    1. Hugh's Views and News avatar

      lol, I hope they weren’t closed for long.

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