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The Global Warming Effect #flashfiction

Published by

Hugh W. Roberts

Jun 3, 2019

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.

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39 responses to “The Global Warming Effect #flashfiction”

Strawberries and Mint « Carrot Ranch Literary Community

Jun 6, 2019

[…] The Global Warming Effect by Hugh W. Roberts […]

Reply
Terri Webster Schrandt

Jun 5, 2019

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. 😎🌡

Reply
1. Hugh’s Views and News
  
  Jun 6, 2019
  
  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.
  
  Reply
Aimer Boyz

Jun 5, 2019

Maybe we’ll learn before we destroy Mars too :)

Reply
1. Hugh’s Views and News
  
  Jun 5, 2019
  
  I wonder? Maybe something will get to us before we start populating Mars?
  
  Reply
Teagan R. Geneviene

Jun 4, 2019

Brilliant, Hugh. Your story is horrifyingly possible… And I love strawberries. :)
Hugs on the wing.

Reply
1. Hugh’s Views and News
  
  Jun 4, 2019
  
  Thanks, Teagan. We’re just going into the British strawberry season. It always reminds me of Wimbledon.
  Hugs to you.
  
  Reply
Norah

Jun 4, 2019

Wow! That’s a story with impact, Hugh. Well done. We humans have some lessons to learn, and pretty darn quick!

Reply
1. Hugh’s Views and News
  
  Jun 4, 2019
  
  Thanks so much, Norah. I fear we may already have passed the finishing line without realising it.
  
  Reply
  1. Norah
    
    Jun 5, 2019
    
    I’m hoping we’ve a little more time, Hugh.
    
    Reply
Liesbet @ Roaming About

Jun 4, 2019

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…

Reply
1. Hugh’s Views and News
  
  Jun 4, 2019
  
  I fear, as a race, we may have already gone over the point of no return, Liesbet.
  
  Reply
dgkaye

Jun 4, 2019

Clever use of the word prompt Hugh. <3

Reply
1. Hugh’s Views and News
  
  Jun 4, 2019
  
  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
  
  Reply
  1. dgkaye
    
    Jun 4, 2019
    
    Of course it did! And if it didn’t, I’d be worried about you! Lol Hugs xxx
    
    Reply
Cailin Conroy

Jun 3, 2019

Sadly we will probably never do anything about this as a society until it’s way too late… 😢

Reply
1. Hugh’s Views and News
  
  Jun 4, 2019
  
  I completely agree with you. In fact, it may already be too late.
  
  Reply
willowdot21

Jun 3, 2019

This a brilliant double twist Hugh😃

Reply
1. Hugh’s Views and News
  
  Jun 4, 2019
  
  Thanks, Willow. This story came to me in a dream.
  
  Reply
  1. willowdot21
    
    Jun 4, 2019
    
    Really, that’s not the first time you have a dream inspired song 💜
    
    Reply
robertawrites235681907

Jun 3, 2019

Clever piece, Hugh.

Reply
1. Hugh’s Views and News
  
  Jun 3, 2019
  
  Thanks, Robbie.
  
  Reply
Erika Kind

Jun 3, 2019

I wish this story was more fiction… I hope from the bottom of my heart that we learn quickly!

Reply
1. Hugh’s Views and News
  
  Jun 3, 2019
  
  Some science fiction becomes reality, Erika. I fear we may already be too late. However, we must continue with turning things around.
  
  Reply
  1. Erika Kind
    
    Jun 3, 2019
    
    I agree, we mustn’t give up anyway, under no circumstances.
    
    Reply
John W. Howell

Jun 3, 2019

Super interpretation, Hugh.

Reply
1. Hugh’s Views and News
  
  Jun 3, 2019
  
  Thanks, John. It came to me in a dream last night.
  
  Reply
  1. John W. Howell
    
    Jun 3, 2019
    
    Love that kind of help. 😀
    
    Reply
    1. Hugh’s Views and News
      
      Jun 3, 2019
      
      I was waiting for Matt Damon to turn up, but he failed to show. 😀
      
      Reply
      1. John W. Howell
        
        Jun 3, 2019
        
        Ha haha. 😂
        
        Reply
Ritu

Jun 3, 2019

Love love love this take!

Reply
1. Hugh’s Views and News
  
  Jun 3, 2019
  
  Thanks, Ritu. I’m glad it ticked the box. 😀
  
  Reply
  1. Ritu
    
    Jun 3, 2019
    
    It did indeed 😉
    
    Reply
Colline

Jun 3, 2019

Great story Hugh.

Reply
1. Hugh’s Views and News
  
  Jun 3, 2019
  
  Thank you, Colline. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
  
  Reply
Robert

Jun 3, 2019

Martian landscape, a good twist on global warming!

Reply
1. Hugh’s Views and News
  
  Jun 3, 2019
  
  Thanks, Robert. I like getting those twists in somewhere.
  
  Reply

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