Flash Fiction – A Small Invasion

Nobody took much notice of the small Halloween pod that appeared in the Griffiths’ small front window on the night before Halloween. They’d sold the place because it was too small, and the neighbours thought the new owners had placed the pod there. But they were wrong!

The mesmerising, faint green glow out of the eyes and mouth of the pod during daytime Halloween became brighter as the sun set and dusk arrived. It was a sight to behold, especially for the innocent local small children who couldn’t resist posing with it for photos. Their innocence, a stark contrast to the small danger lurking within, made them all the more vulnerable.

Photo of a halloween pumpkin
Halloween

Little did they know that the small creature inside was not just observing, but also making intricate plans. Its intelligence, a chilling reminder of the impending threat, was something to be feared and respected.

At the stroke of midnight, the pod cracked open, and the small, agile creature darted out. It was now a master of disguise, mimicking all the costumes it had seen. Its constant shifting and learning, and planning its next move, was a clear sign of the magnitude of the threat.

By dawn, the small population of the street had shrunk, mostly of children. Of course, nobody took any notice of me, the new owner of the Griffiths’ house, as I blended in seamlessly into your world, now a perfect mimic of your kind.

They asked me about the small pod and the missing children, but I denied any knowledge of them. Over the following twelve months, the city’s human population decreased.

On the run-up to Halloween, keep your eyes peeled for a small alien pod in your neighbourhood. But more importantly, keep a close eye on your neighbours. After all, every invasion starts small.


Written for Esther Chilton’s writing prompt: Small.

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30 responses to “Flash Fiction – A Small Invasion”

  1. philosophy through photography avatar

    Wow… from a tiny Halloween pod to a full-blown alien invasion right under everyone’s noses! 😱 Those innocent little photos hiding chaos—who knew? Thanks for sharing this spine-chilling tale; I’ll definitely keep my eyes peeled, not just for strange pods, but for any unusually perfect neighbours blending in. Midnight better watch out! 👀

    Philo

    1. Hugh W. Roberts avatar

      Thank you for reading it and leaving a comment, Philo. Now you know what to do if you see any of those small, strange pods this Halloween. But the neighbours are the real threat. Keep your eyes peeled 👀

      1. philosophy through photography avatar

        Thanks, Hugh! 👀 I’ll keep my eyes on the pods—and the neighbours. Halloween just got a lot more interesting! 🎃

  2. August 2025 - Something strange happened on my blog! avatar

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