Strawberries and mint! She’d forgotten to order them.
The local shop was too far away to go and get any before her first guests arrived.
A few years ago, she would have gone out into her garden and picked both. How sad that the return of global warming had since not only turned her green garden into a dusty, bone-dry desert but had also robbed her of her love for gardening.
Looking out of her kitchen window, onto the vast martian landscape, she asked herself again if the human race would ever learn the lessons of their past mistakes.
Written in response to the 99-word flash fiction challenge with the theme of ‘strawberries and mint’, hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
Click here to join hundreds of other writers who have taken up the challenge.
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Hugh's Views & News 
On point with this story, Hugh! A stark reality if we don’t pay attention now.
Thanks, Charli.
Hopefully this is not a preview of things to come, Hugh. Of course, I pictured a garden on Earth, but you added the Martian twist! I just read Ben Bova’s Exiles trilogy in audiobook form and this reminded me of what it might take once we destroy our world. Quick report that my surgery went well and I am enjoying my downtime in my air conditioned house as temps have risen to mid 90s. 😎🌡
Hi Terri, I’m so pleased to hear that the surgery all went well. Those outside temps sound too hot for me, especially when it’s only been in the high 50s here in Wales (and it’s staying that way until at least the middle of next week).
Thank you for the feedback on my latest piece on flash fiction. I fear we humans may have already gone too far. I’m hoping Mother Nature will give us one final chance, but we all have to prove to her that we mean business.
Here’s to a speedy recovery for you.
Take care.
Maybe we’ll learn before we destroy Mars too 🙂
I wonder? Maybe something will get to us before we start populating Mars?
Brilliant, Hugh. Your story is horrifyingly possible… And I love strawberries. 🙂
Hugs on the wing.
Thanks, Teagan. We’re just going into the British strawberry season. It always reminds me of Wimbledon.
Hugs to you.
Wow! That’s a story with impact, Hugh. Well done. We humans have some lessons to learn, and pretty darn quick!
Thanks so much, Norah. I fear we may already have passed the finishing line without realising it.
I’m hoping we’ve a little more time, Hugh.
When you look back in time (and forward in time – thanks for the glimpse), the human race NEVER learns. Because, the human race is selfish and thinks short-term…
I fear, as a race, we may have already gone over the point of no return, Liesbet.
Clever use of the word prompt Hugh. ❤
Thanks, Debby. Glad you enjoyed it. I always try and think ‘out of the box’ with these challenges. And my love for sci-fi had to creep into the story.
xx
Of course it did! And if it didn’t, I’d be worried about you! Lol Hugs xxx
Sadly we will probably never do anything about this as a society until it’s way too late… 😢
I completely agree with you. In fact, it may already be too late.
This a brilliant double twist Hugh😃
Thanks, Willow. This story came to me in a dream.
Really, that’s not the first time you have a dream inspired song 💜
Clever piece, Hugh.
Thanks, Robbie.
I wish this story was more fiction… I hope from the bottom of my heart that we learn quickly!
Some science fiction becomes reality, Erika. I fear we may already be too late. However, we must continue with turning things around.
I agree, we mustn’t give up anyway, under no circumstances.
Super interpretation, Hugh.
Thanks, John. It came to me in a dream last night.
Love that kind of help. 😀
I was waiting for Matt Damon to turn up, but he failed to show. 😀
Ha haha. 😂
Love love love this take!
Thanks, Ritu. I’m glad it ticked the box. 😀
It did indeed 😉
Great story Hugh.
Thank you, Colline. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Martian landscape, a good twist on global warming!
Thanks, Robert. I like getting those twists in somewhere.