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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Comments (20)
Love this, keep up the good work.
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!