[Very Short] The Flames of Outer Space

Strange Things Happen For No Reason

Night has fallen and now I need a fire. I am making it next to the crater. Strangely, the meteorite has crumbled away. I rub two sticks together like I always do and wait for the sparks to fly. Then a fat water droplet falls onto my head. Great, just what I need.

The drizzle quickly becomes a heavy downpour. I continue rubbing the sticks anyway, but obviously nothing is happening. I am cold and wet but not a quitter.

A sharp, high-pitched cry splits the air. My head shoots up in alarm.

It is the extraterrestrial, emitting ethereal wails. The other aliens did not make much sound. She sounded like an alien bird. How could something so creepy sound so beautiful?

She circles impatiently with clouds of steam coming off her scales. Maybe she does not like the rain because it causes steam. The circling stops and she flies closer to the cave.

She must be seeking shelter. I duck just in time to avoid getting singed hair as she swoops above me and lands in my cave. She tucks her wings and tail in close. Fortunately, the only flammable objects in the cave are my animal skin blanket and tree branch spear.

I jump out of the way as she approaches what was supposed to be my fire for the night. She stares at it for a moment and then coughs a puff of smoke onto it. Huh?

She retreats into the cave and paces in the cramped space. The cave is small so I have to make my fire outside if I want space to sleep in the cave. I hear whispering in my head.

Once again, she is trying to talk to me, but I do not understand. If only I knew what she was trying to say. While other aliens sound loud and gargled, she sounds whispery. She is too quiet to hear anyway.

The poor alien is having a coughing fit. There must be a lot of smoke in those lungs. Then she coughed out a burst of flame onto my sticks. I jump back in shock. She was trying to help! I am horrified but intrigued.

Somehow, the rain does not extinguish the fire. It remains burning, hot and bright. I am grateful for the help but also confused. She must think I am weak.

Oh well, better than mean aliens that tear you to pieces. I am glad this fiery creature is on my side. For now I guess.