Marin kept the mason jar on her shelf, labeled Universe 27. Inside, stars shimmered. Tiny planets spun like marbles.
“Careful,” warned Dr. Larson. “It’s highly unstable.”
But curiosity gnawed at her. Each night, she tapped the glass. With each tap, storms raged, and the tides writhed.
One evening, whispers seeped through the cracks. The voices were microscopic.
“Please,” they begged. “Stop.”
Her finger hovered, trembling. Fascinating.
She tapped again. The jar pulsed. Galaxies popped like soap bubbles. The glass split. A blade of light lanced the room, pulling her inside.
Now, on a distant shelf, a jar labeled Universe 28 shimmers.
Wonderful piece, a modern recasting of story of Pandora, a cautionary tale with a touch of humor. Well done!
A cautionary tale cleverly delivered. Well done.
Oh I like this! Unusul and evocatove.
I shared this story in the class I teach at a halfway house for women who may be paroled. They absolutely loved it! So do I.