May 9, 2022, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less), write a mom selfie — a story that creates an image of a mom. No one mom looks alike or fits a maternal mould. Who is she? Go where the prompt leads! Click here for details.
A Matter Of Life – by Hugh W. Roberts
It was a matter of life or death. But if only she had known that she wasn’t the only one racing toward her child as he sunk toward the bottom of the ocean floor.
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As the creature snatched at the sinking, lifeless object, it used its other tentacle to grab the prey that pursued it and squeezed the life out of it. Now it could feed the offspring it had given birth to, which would otherwise have died on this strange, watery planet.
A mother had to do everything in her power to ensure the survival of her children.
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Written for the 99-word flash fiction challenge hosted by Charli Mills at the Carrot Ranch.
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Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’
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32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take the reader to the edge of their imagination.
More Glimpses
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Kindle – £0.99
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Hugh's Views & News 
This was a delicious tale Hugh with a nice little twist. We humans are so arrogant to believe that we’re the only creatures on the planet who eat and breath and love.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Michael. Even the tiniest of things on our planet have stories to tell.
Another very nice twist!
Thank you.
Well done Hugh, despite the sadness and desperation involved. A definite Hugh Roberts tale ❤
Thanks, Debby. My dark side keeps shining through these short tales.
It wouldn’t be Hugh Roberts writing if it didn’t . ❤
Good one, Hugh. All mother’s want to feed their babies, even if it is the baby of another mother. And the mother too!
Thanks, Norah. Yes, a mother’s instinct is always to protect her children and ensure their survival, whatever the odds.
Even strange tentacled beings are mothers, too! Thanks for reminding us of that, Hugh!
Exactly, Terri. And they have mouths to feed too.
Brilliant, dear Hugh! You have this phenomenal ability to keep the reader riveted! I love it, and this story is wonderful! Cher xoxoxo
Thank you, Cher. I’m glad you enjoyed this piece of flash fiction. And what a lovely compliment about my writing. I’m honoured.
I sure did, Hugh! I love your writing! Cher xoxoxo
Oh this was a brilliant take on the mom theme, Hugh! Loved it!
Thanks, Colleen. Glad you enjoyed it.
Aaaah to be a mother…
Indeed.
Gulp…..
Wow Hugh!
What an image that was.
A good one, I hope, Gary.
Mothers fight hard 💜💜💜
They do, regardless of what form they have.
Yes indeed 💜
Mothers are mothers, wherever they are. Good one!
Exactly. Thank you.
Wow, what started to appear tragic revealed just a natural mother instinct… no matter what being. Great story, Hugh!
Thanks, Erika. Glad you enjoyed it. A mother is a mother regardless of what form she has.
I liked the message and how your wrapped it. Really good!
Thanks, Erika. I always try and think out of the box for these flash fiction pieces.
You can tell 👍
Good one. You’ve obviously got a dark side to your otherwise lovely nature Mr. Roberts….!
Thanks, Paul. You’ll have to ask those that have met me. But, yes, I love the dark side of writing.
That’s a good one!! Your imagination knows no bounds.
What a lovely compliment. Thank you, Darlene.