The Carrot Ranch Challenge:
In 99 words (no more, no less), write a story inspired by the phrase “tiny flying insects”.
Click here to hear the author read his words:
Beasties
My daughter’s scream has me scrambling out of bed.
She is sitting up, hands covering her face, still shrieking.
I flick on her bedside lamp and shudder.
There are wee flying beasties everywhere, swarming around and crawling over her.
It’s okay, baby, I gather her in my arms, swatting the horrid beetle-like thingys away.
Then I panic.
There are more on her feet and legs.
I slap at them, brush them from my own face.
Then I see wings emerge from her nose.
I roar in anger and fear until I no longer can.
Because my mouth is full.
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Well-written and well-read, C.! I have wee beastie goosebumps now!
That’s great, Charli, wee beastie goosebumps are cool!
That’s the worst dream ever. Or if it’s not a dream, it’s a parent’s nightmare not being able to protect one’s child.
I enjoyed listening to you read.
I don’t do dreams, Norah, I think that’s cheating.
Glad you enjoyed the reading, you might enjoy this wee piece I did for the radio in cahoots with Jenne Gray.
https://ceayr.com/2021/06/05/phone-call-a-short-play-in-2-voices/
Most amusing.
I didn’t expect it to turn so horrid! You lure the reader in brilliantly, with a false sense of success, then make it crash in burn in the best way. Fantastic ride!
Thanks, Rebecca, I find horror hard to write so I’m pleased this worked for you.
It did work. The casual description added to the horror. That sense of a relaxed, unrushed building of tension was very well done!
Wonderfully horrific!
I’m almost scared to close my eyes, so graphic is your story, and yet so understated.
Thank goodness for the punny song lyrics 😉 on the artwork – which is also great.
Yep, beasties are fun!