The Journey

#MenageMonday Flash Fic

Word Requirement: 100-200 words

Three prompts:

1. The Photo, above

2. The Phrase: “[ ] can explain” (this can appear anywhere in the story)

3. The Judge’s Prompt: inspired by a less-than-inspiring week of customer service experiences, this week’s prompt is a theme and/or quote "Why should I care?"

My Entry: The Journey

Jessa huddled in the shadow of the concrete monolith, muttering a prayer to the None, tears burning her eyes.

"Don't let him find me. Please."

Jazzy's cries ended mid-shriek and the silence was broken only by the thwack of rebar and grunts of the Ravager. Jessa's senses screamed "run," but silent movement in the jungle of ruins was impossible. All she could do was hide and pray.

Hours later, the Bright sank below the jagged horizon and Jessa's conscious returned. Dusk and dawn were the only time she and Jazzy dared...

Her mouth distorted in a silent wail as the memory crashed back. But through the anguish she knew she had to keep going. It was at least another thirtnight back to the colony, longer if she didn't take advantage of every mo of halflight.

"Why should I care?" she whispered to the None. "I'm still here. None can explain the why of it."

She closed her eyes and sent forth her senses, ears open for any faint ding or crunch, hands and feet in the rubble seeking infinitesimal vibration. The stillness of the planet was complete.

With no hint of any presence, she rose and shouldered her pack.

200 words

Week 30 Champ: Dee | @dee_768
Katherine Says: If she ever writes this book, I would want first crack at publishing it.

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