“They’re just rocks. Most of the planets we’ve visited have them.”
“I know, but I’m sure one has moved since we arrived here.”
“But rocks can’t move on their own. Something or someone must have moved it. The ship’s instruments did pick up a small tremor last night.”
Miles bent down while pointing towards the ground to the right of the first rock.
“Looks like something either pushed or pulled this one. If the ship’s camera had been working, I’d have proof that this rock is nearer the ship than it was yesterday. What’s taking mission control so long to figure out what’s caused the camera to fail?”
Shaking her head, Hilary bent down beside Miles and examined the ground.
“It must be alive,” cautioned Miles. “These marks on the ground clearly show it has moved. Yet there’s no evidence that someone or something has moved it. I thought you said there was no evidence of life on this planet, Hilary. Without any signs of H2O, you said nothing could survive here.”
Consisting of at least 50% of water, the human visitors had no chance when the rock struck. Not even their spacesuits helped protect them.
The dusty, dry planet became alive again as the other rocks slid slowly towards the bodies to feast on the liquid nectar they needed to survive.
While decomposing flesh helped plant life grow and spread instantly, the sound of a click from the ship’s repaired camera finally returned the first image of a beautiful, welcoming new world where humans could exist.
***
Enjoyed this piece of flash fiction? Then you’ll love ‘More Glimpses.’
***
32 short stories and flash fiction pieces take readers to the edge of their imagination.
More Glimpses
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Hugh's Views & News 
Awesome
Thanks.
Did not see that coming….nicely written twist, Hugh! 💞💞💞
Good to hear you never saw that twist coming towards you. Thanks, Dawn.
Wow awesome story! 🙂
Thank you.
Love it, Hugh. Human-feasting rocks. That’s a great way to get the environment back. 🙂
Thanks, Norah. Glad you enjoyed it. Charli’s extension on our 99-word flash gave me a chance to publish one of my longer pieces of flash.
It is good to have the luxury of time. 🙂
And I can’t wait for Charli to announce what her secret is.
I agree!
The perfect Twilight Zone ending, Hugh! Imagine humans being used for water by thirsty rocks! Your ending is twisty enough with the camera pointing to a lush world ripe for exploration! Nicely done. Doo-do-do-doo (twilight zone theme) LOL!
I could hear the Twilight Zone music as I read your comment, Terri. What an inviting world that picture would have portrayed to those left on planet Earth.
Wow! Excellent storytelling, Hugh. I love the ending.
Thanks, Eugi. Glad you enjoyed it.
Most welcome, Hugh.
The cameras never lie or do they?
Exactly. You never know. I’m sure there is plenty in photos that were not there when we took the photo.
Brilliant ending, Hugh!
Glad you liked it, Cathy. Thank you. I was going to enter this story into a competition, but thought better of it.
Because it could be considered political?
No, I just thought it was not strong enough for the competition I had in mind. I have to stop doubting myself.
You do!
Oh… big misunderstanding, BIG misunderstanding 😱
But I love the story 😄👍
Thanks, Erika. And they say the camera never lies.
It did not lie… it only did not show everything… 😈
This one makes me think and sort of creeps me out at the same time, Hugh. Another good one.
Thank you. The creepiness element is good to hear. Who knows what’s up there. Everyday objects could be completely different.
Makes you think twice when you look around in nature! 🙂 More than 99 words this Friday? And no theme. Charli must be on vacation. 🙂
We have an extended deadline on this weeks 99-word flash fiction challenge, so I’ve more time to sink my teeth into the story, Liesbet.
So, be worried, very worried. Hence, one of my own pieces of flash.
Wow! What a twist!
Glad you enjoyed it.
What a great story, Hugh! I loved the ending.
Thanks, Colleen. Karma is everywhere – even in space.
That it is! Everyone gets theirs eventually!
Excellent story, Hugh! I always enjoy the twist at the end! The ending to H2O actually made me laugh! 😆 🤣 😂
I agree with Brenda. It was definitely karma!
Good to hear, Nadine. I’m glad you enjoy my twisted tales. You don’t need to be only be on Earth for karma to strike.
Great point, Hugh! 😊
Brilliant Hugh. Such a tempting new location after we’ve destroyed our own planet 😁 maybe it’s karma
Karma comes in many forms, Brenda. And can make things look much better than what they’re actually are so as to fool us.
That’s what I loved about your story Hugh. It made me laugh out loud 🙂