“And this…” he paused, turned, faced the group with the red sun at his back and ash clouds beneath his boots. “Is where trees once stood.”
If the group had breath to gasp between their regulated air streams, perhaps they would have gasped. At least they stood in silence. Wearing the most stylish protective suits and SCBA money could buy, they stood in silence.
He shook his head inside his own, more functional suit. What good did these exclusive tours do, anyway? Surely these people, heads of companies responsible for the radioactive waste around him, did not actually care…
Imagined and lamented for Carrot Ranch‘s prompt: a story that goes in search of trees.
May 16, 2019, prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that goes in search of trees. It can be one particular tree, a grove, woods, or forest. What makes the tree worth seeking? Go where the prompt leads!
Respond by May 21, 2019. Use the comment section below to share, read and be social. You may leave a link, pingback or story in the comments. If you want to be published in the weekly collection, please use the form. Rules & Guidelines.
Photo Credit:
Image by Wendelin Jacober from Pixabay
© 2019 Chelsea Owens
Chel Owens 
Can’t imagine a world without trees.. 😉
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We certainly couldn’t live on it anymore.
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Very lamentable, Chelsea. A sad, but appropriate, response.
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Thank you, Norah. It’s where I went after reading through Charli’s description of her daughter missing trees, and then thinking of one searching for them.
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How bleak the future is looking without trees. 😦
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It’s kind of like how the rich people in France, right before the revolution, would pay to do tours of “peasant places” and pretend to enjoy “the simple life of the poor,” except in your universe the poor are all dead, haha.
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I was picturing that sort of thing precisely! They’re paying to go where others cannot; in a safe manner; for a trendy, rich thrill.
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I wonder if they do this with Chernobyl? Ooh, interesting thought…
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In a way…. the area is pretty much safe, so long as you don’t lick the moss between the cracks. They definitely do not allow people near to the plant itself.
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Scary stuff Chelsea.
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Agreed. Fortunately (?), we wouldn’t be able to live here without them.
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Can’t live without Trees. Watch the numpties try…
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We kinda need our air.
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i think you are right in assuming they do not care. The race to the top is blinding.
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Just look at China.
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Sadly this happens today, Chelsea. Maybe not ALL the trees yet, but rivers, groundwater, natural habitats, the oceans, wildlife, all worth sacrificing for a buck. Great story!
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Thank you. That was much of my motivation for going that way with the prompt. I don’t think it’s possible to kill them all and still inhabit Earth, of course, but think reminders of their importance are vital.
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Oh how sad to not have trees! Your message is well sent in this fictional piece.
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Thanks, Christy. No trees would obviously be catastrophic.
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Oh, the irony of those who can afford to go on such an exclusive tour are the ones profiting from the demise.
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Yes. 😥
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Poignant postmodern dystopian fiction with a lucid message Chelsea. Now that you’ve mentioned trees, the city I live in used to be cool because of all the beautiful trees. Now, industrialization has made it humid and unbearable. Soon, it’ll probably be a radioactive waste. Find me an idyllic place in the mountains please? I may not be able to pay rent, but I won’t complain as long as there are tools for writing and lots and lots of books!
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I know the entire Earth would not be liveable without trees. 🌳 Maybe they’d be funding surface excursions or a planetary visit.
I’m sorry about them taking the trees where you live. Have you tried a Johnny Appleseed approach?
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