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.
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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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
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 👀
Thanks, Hugh! 👀 I’ll keep my eyes on the pods—and the neighbours. Halloween just got a lot more interesting! 🎃
I love your imagination, Hugh. No wonder our rural area has no trick-or-treaters! The alien must have landed here before we moved in, hahaha! The aliens left all the old goats!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Terri. With Halloween on the way, I thought I’d kick the spooky season off with this piece of flash. Watch out for more.
I love the intrigue, Hugh. The shapeshifting of the creature makes your story wonderfully creepy. A haunting capture of spookiness preparing us for Halloween. Hmm, I wonder what is going to happen next?
What happened next? Our world was taken over by Shapeshifters, Eugi. They kept the holiday of Halloween as Independence Day.
Glad you enjoyed the read.
Good one, Hugh! I love your imagination.
That’s quite a chilling story, Hugh. I’ll be looking at my neighbours carefully from now on.
Thank you, V.M. Yes, please do, especially around Halloween time.
I knew there was a reason I didn’t go out on Halloween 😉 Spooky story, Hugh.
Much safer being inside, unless one of the neighbours knocks on the door, Cathy.
Oh, yes, new or old neighbours… you never know! As always, good story Hugh… I am not sure when I am carving a pumpkin again 😅
How often do you see your neighbours, Erika? Even the smallest change in them can mean danger, especially if they show a jack-o’-lantern from a window in their house.
You made me completely aware, Hugh!!
Watch out for anyone who wants to take your fun away..
Those are best avoided at all costs.
Very intriguing – so the owner is the pumpkin creature (alien?) or his revenge against humans? You could easily expand this piece. Lots of ???- always a good thing to leave a reader with!
Yes, you got it. It’s an alien that can shape shift. And this Halloween, more of his kind will be joining him/her.
that was so spooky! I liked what you did here Hugh! It intrigued me! Right to the end!
Thank you, Carol-Anne. I’m glad you enjoyed it. The season for spooky tales is upon us.
That is a dark story, with plenty of menace – and a warning. I’ll certainly be watching out!
I love the sound of it having plenty of menace, Esther. Early Halloween greeting to you. Thanks so much for the prompt.
Thank you for joining in, Hugh. Can I use it in my prompts round-up, please?
Most certainly, Esther. No need to ask me in the future. Please include mine in the round-ups.
Thank you, Hugh 😊
Chilling, Hugh. Worthy of Stephen King!
Oh, wow! Do you think so? I’ve read some of his books and watched many movies based on them. He’s definitely one of my writing heroes.
Yup, I do!