The swarm of crimson butterfly scattered the air and surrounded Rift. Their gentle gossip carried sweet sugar to his hearing. He sat on a lone cliff, above the Maw of the Unending Night, his feet dangling to a dire beat.
When will they return?
He hadn't eaten in three days straight and his stomach growled like a nightmare's creature.
Even Astronauts needed food. Especially Dead Astronauts.
Rift kept his gaze towards the dwindling horizon and imagined the stream of colors racing against each other. He had learned quickly not to look down. If you looked down, the Maw would consume you.
Many had failed to resist the temptation. So did his friends. They ventured down three days ago, looking for food. They chose Rift to stay above, to endure and wait for a slim chance of rescue. They entered the Maw, promising him to return. Though none of them believed in it. Rift had seen the doubt in their eyes, had smelled the stench of fear.
Now Rift sat on a lone cliff. A crimson butterfly landed on his lap and he smiled.
I hope they will return soon.
Even Astronauts needed company. Especially Dead Astronauts.
YOU ARE READING
The Red Planet - a microtale fiction
AdventureMany lives have been decided on the Red Planet but all have one thing in common: a horrible secret that never should have been discovered.
