100 Word Story

 

Before we go on this trek, there’s some things to know about the planet.

This time of year, we don’t have to worry about any packs of dorsets.

They have nasty teeth that will chew off your foot during the night before you even feel a tickle at your ankle.


PHOTO PROMPT © Lisa Fox

However, it is the season for the vena flower to bloom. It happens suddenly if you step on a ground level bud. Then like a spring loaded monster, the bloom will shoot up and spray you with toxic pollen. You’ll die in a few hours.

Any advice?

Watch your step.


Today’s Friday Fictioneers photo challenge at Rochelle Wisoff’s blog has a photo by © Lisa Fox that instantly hits the eye with thought. What exactly is that thing? It’s both beautiful and hideous! Therein was the inspiration for the Vena flower. This short piece is an excerpt from my latest WIP “Humans in a Cage” when the humans and alien friend must head for the hills to escape civil war on the planet Mesmer.


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27 responses to “Hiking Among the Flowers”

    1. CGraith Avatar
      CGraith

      Many thanks, Jean!

      Liked by 2 people

  1. Margaret Avatar

    Love this. Great title – it sounds so gentle. Terrific ending.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. CGraith Avatar
      CGraith

      Thanks Margaret

      Liked by 2 people

  2.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    I am sure you are trying to sell the ‘Planet Trek’ experience, but wait, how do you recover from any mishaps. Do I need a vaccination certificate?

    I like the idea of space tourism, although it seems a bit dangerous.

    Liked by 2 people

  3. rochellewisoff Avatar

    Dear Clare,

    Yikes. A hike to avoid. Definitely watch your step! Well done.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    1. CGraith Avatar
      CGraith

      Many thanks!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Laurie Bell Avatar

    Damn
    Brutal!
    I love the way you have described this. What a terrifying proposition.
    Well done!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. CGraith Avatar
      CGraith

      Thanks! It’s amazing the prose a photo can inspire!

      Liked by 2 people

  5. Dawn M. Miller Avatar

    Yikes, hope we don’t have to go any time soon.

    Liked by 2 people

  6.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    Not a nice day for a walk, then? Liz

    Liked by 1 person

    1. CGraith Avatar
      CGraith

      Stay in the hiking trail!

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Ken Gierke / rivrvlogr Avatar

    Time to find a different planet! Of course, there are no guarantees in life, although, this has the potential for one.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. CGraith Avatar
      CGraith

      Well we have scorpions and flesh eating bacteria soooo…

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Ken Gierke / rivrvlogr Avatar

        Sadly, The Boy in the Bubble may have been on to something.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. CGraith Avatar
        CGraith

        Ha ha!

        Liked by 2 people

  8. Angela Adams Avatar

    What a fascinating twist on the prompt! Beauty and danger and caution.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. CGraith Avatar
      CGraith

      Thanks Angela!

      Liked by 1 person

  9. msjadeli Avatar

    Clare I like where your mind took you with this art piece. It is both beautiful yet somehow sinister looking to me. Imagining traveling over terrain with such beasts would be terrifying.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. CGraith Avatar
      CGraith

      Thanks! It is scary sometime where a photo prompt can take a person! But I’m firmly in the alien world mind set these days!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. msjadeli Avatar

        You’re very welcome. I think you need to let the muse lead you, because this story rocked.

        Liked by 2 people

  10. Keith's Ramblings Avatar

    I’ve taken many a trek, but the worst things I’ve come across have been stinging nettles and brambles.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. CGraith Avatar
      CGraith

      Better stay on planet Earth!

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Bon Lee Avatar

    Watch you step, indeed! perfectly vicious!

    Liked by 2 people

  12. James Pyles Avatar

    I guess I’d better. Thanks.

    Liked by 2 people

  13. Neil MacDonald Avatar

    A trip, perhaps, only for the bold or the stupid

    Liked by 1 person

    1. CGraith Avatar
      CGraith

      Or those escaping a bigger danger!

      Liked by 1 person

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