The Cure from the Stars
Government labs are never in cities, never on paved roads with easy access.
The headlights of my Jeep are all that's keeping me level. Without them, I am lost in the dark. My heart is a separate entity now, a vibrating animal in my chest.
To my right, Garcia is pressed up against the car door, his hand tightening around the seatbelt. His face is pale white. I wonder if mine is the same.
On the back seat is a cloth bag and I am aware of its presence at all times, even as I pull the steering wheel back and forth, struggling to keep the Jeep on the road. Government labs are never in cities, never on paved roads with easy access. We're out of the lab, but not out of the woods. The trees close in around me, threatening to swallow the road whole.
I think about Maria in her hospital bed, how I haven't visited in weeks. The plan has consumed me, taken everything I have. Weeks of planning and scheming. Convincing Garcia. Making certain the lab tests were accurate.
The creature moans from the bag. It sounds like a child- like my Maria, only eight years old.
Waiting for me, for what I've stolen.
The cure from the stars.
About the Creator
Kelley Stead
Grew up on a steady diet of Tom Robbins and Stephen King.
Spinning tales in the quiet moments between motherhood and building a business.
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- Runner-Up in Unexpected Uncovering Challenge
She loves me
She loved me. When I was small and my wee stayed to the paper. When I was rumpled skin and floppy big paws and big eyes looking up and waiting for her hands to find me, scooping me up and bringing me into her. And we were happy, so happy, so very, very happy. I was so happy to see her and danced my circles so she'd know how much I wanted nothing more than for her to hold me. I'd wrap, wiggle, wiggle and wrap my growing body with my bestest happy dance, slumping and kerplumping into her warm parts just like she liked me to. She was there and I was there, and we were there together, and it was perfect. Oh, how she loved me! We spent all our time together, playing inside, outside, up, down, going round and round. And she petted me and called me good girl when I made poops, and sometimes when I weed in her front yard or the neighbor's, and I was the best girl. For her, I really was! And she scratched me behind my ears, and it was heaven. I aowooo my joy! And she aowoooed hers too.
By Christy Munson5 days ago in Fiction
Crafting Magic: A Comprehensive Guide to Writing Fantasy Fiction
Introduction: Fantasy fiction is a genre that has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers for generations. From epic quests and mythical creatures to enchanted realms and heroic battles, fantasy offers an escape into worlds filled with wonder, adventure, and endless possibilities. However, writing compelling fantasy fiction requires more than just a vivid imagination – it demands skillful storytelling, careful worldbuilding, and a deep understanding of the genre's conventions. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the art of crafting magic on the page, offering advice and tips on plot structure, pacing, worldbuilding integration, dialogue, descriptions, and maintaining consistency within a fantasy setting.
By bachir boukhalfa 7 days ago in Fiction
Comments (19)
Thought provoking and original. Well done and congratulations on your win
This is fascinating. It’s a satisfying micro, but Would also love to read more! Congrats! 💖
Oooh, I love this. Kelley. Congrats on a well deserved challenge win. x
Oh, this is great. Congrats!
Oh, congrats on placing Kelley! Well deserved! Loved this!
Just liked and subscribed, Stephen King is one of my biggest writing influences as well.
I love this!! Great Job! I enjoyed the alien ride in this story:)
Had read this and forgot to come and show it some love. It is a seriously great bit of storytelling, Kelley! Bravo!
Nice ending, it's where another story begins.
Whoaaa, I certainly did not see that coming! Would there be a part 2 to this? I loved it so much!
I loved the part about government labs never being on paved roads fantastic writing
Ooh, cool idea! Love this take on the prompt. Great stuff!
Whoa this was riveting! Like a scene from a movie. You use such descriptive language, I could feel myself there. Incredible!
Hmmmm, I like. It leaves me wanting more. 200 words is just not fair! Well done. ;)
Nicely done Kelley, it makes me want the next paragraph...
"The cure from the stars" Excellent read, Kelley. I would love to borrow that cure when you're done.
Very intriguing story! I love the alien take so much :)
Move over Dean Koontz 😎😜
Oooooo I like this! Great short story and I love a good alien plot!