I survived week 1, only to be absolutely smashed by the first run of week 2. I practically dragged myself across the finish line, but that's not important. I did it!
Something about finishing a difficult run gives me a buzz for the rest of the day.
Episode One is available HERE: healthunlocked.com/couchto5......
Episode Two:
Jem blinked, then pinched herself.
“Ouch.” She hissed at the sharp pain which followed, her eyes frozen on the UFO hovering just off the coastline. It’s real, she thought, it’s REALLY real. Her heart pounded in her chest.
Almost in unison, hundreds of terrified civilians reached into their pockets and pointed their camera phones at the impossible sight before them. If she hadn’t been in a state of shock, Jem would have sneered at the control technology had over their lives.
Hang on, she thought as she tore her gaze from the UFO. Not everyone was overwhelmed by the metallic hovering object. There was a young man a few steps to her left who had his back facing the ship. His face was a mask of horror.
Jem felt her stomach drop. What could possibly be more horrifying than what floated over the ocean?
As if in slow motion, she craned her neck to glance over her shoulder. At first, she didn’t understand what she was seeing. The Dripstone Cliffs, a stunning formation of dusty red rock, acted as a barrier between the beach and the road. To reach the water there were a series of winding staircases and bicycle paths which snaked along the very top of the cliffs. Along those footpaths, carefree locals strolled and children tore past on skateboards. Jem could hear their laughter carried on the wind. It was as if they couldn’t see what Jem and those on the beach could.
Upon closer inspection, Jem understood why the man was so horrified. She shot to her feet and ran towards him. In the face of potential alien abduction, Jem’s usually shy nature vanished. She crashed into the young man, who jumped in surprise. His hazel eyes were wide and his breath sped as he looked down at the significantly shorter girl before him.
His Adams apple bobbled. “You can see it too.” He said.
Jem nodded. There was a low hum emanating from the UFO as it continued to shoot the unusual blue beam into the ocean. That very same blue light formed a dome-shaped barrier between the beach and the rest of the world.
They were trapped, and nobody outside the dome had the slightest idea of the danger they were in.
(Ooh, I'm enjoying writing this story. I'll have to keep running to find out what happens next. The photo is of Casuarina Beach, which is where this story is taking place. Imagine a UFO hovering out over the water. Ominous, yes?)