“What Pegman saw” is a weekly challenge based on Google Streetview. Using the location provided, you must write a piece of flash fiction of no more than 150 words. You can read the rules here. You can find today’s location on this page, from where you can also get the Inlinkz code. This week’s prompt is Manitoba, Canada.
Without an ark
“Ninety degrees,” expostulated Marion, mopping her forehead. “Darn climate change!”
“Deep low-pressure area coming our way from Saskatchewan; twister weather. Stay careful and safe, folks!” announced the local radio station.
Marion’s husband, Hank, was back early that afternoon; he’d closed his business, sent the staff home when the severe weather warning had been broadcast.
Clouds were piling up, and there was a blur of rain on the horizon. The sun shone briefly below the clouds.
The rain began to fall, heavy drops, falling faster and faster, a stream of water, a cataract.
Their two children rushed in, bedraggled and sodden.
“Just look at you! Didn’t you see the rain coming?”
Water was pouring across the yard, already inches deep.
“Why, that’s the brightest rainbow I’ve ever seen,” exclaimed Marion, suddenly, then, as abruptly as if a switch had been thrown, the rainbow was gone.
There was a voice.
“Covenant – cancelled.”
With all the biblical weather brewing, I was holding out hope for some kind of rescue. Great take on the prompt. It’s great to see you, Penny!
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Dear Karen
Thank you for reading and commenting so kindly. No rescue, I’m afraid. And unless we do something quickly the real crisis of climate change will likewise overwhelm us.
With very best wishes
Penny
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Aha! That last line confused me at first until I re-read the title of the piece. The weather really does seem apocalyptic these days, doesn’t it? This story is very timely.
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Dear Joy
Thank you for reading carefully and commenting. I’m glad you think the story is timely – we need everybody to think like that if we’re to have even a small chance of averting disaster.
With very best wishes
Penny
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That God. He’s such a trickster. Well done.
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Dear Josh
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m interested that you view my story from a theological viewpoint rather than a meteorological one! I guess the word that ‘misleads’ there is “cancelled”. Perhaps “Annulled” would have been better, making human activity more responsible for the ‘breach of contract’.
With very best wishes
Penny
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Oh me, oh my, what a surprise ending! And there’s me, been steeling myself on Roald Dahl’s Collected Short stories this last week or so and still didn’t see that twister coming. Grand stuff, Penny, simple yet effective storytelling.
So lovely to see you again. Sorry to keep repeating myself, keep repeating myself. 🙃🌈
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Dear Kelvin
Thank you for reading and commenting so kindly. Yes, that was one of those stories where you just put the right elements in the right place. Craft rather than art. I’m glad you think it’s effective; it’s very encouraging of you to say so.
With very best wishes
Penny
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😁🌈
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Dear Penny,
Oh my. Covenant cancelled? That’s serious. Climate change scares the you-know-what out of me. Good story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
Thank you for reading and commenting. Climate change is scary stuff indeed.
With very best wishes
Penny
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Dear Penny,
This was an excellent take; I’d say of biblical proportions!
Have a fabulous week,
Dale
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Dear Dale
Thank you for reading and commenting so kindly. I hope you have a great week too!
With very best wishes
Penny
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Thanks!
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That last line is a killer. Well done.
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Dear Crispina
Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m glad you enjoyed the story!
With very best wishes
Penny
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Very nice switch from hope to despair at the end. Taking the intervention of God literally, one can’t help but wonder which particular misdeed put mankind over the edge. Hope theres a boat in the garage!
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Dear Andi
Thank you for reading and for your kind comment. God doesn’t need to intervene. He’s just announcing what mankind has achieved by our own greed. You might say He’s confirming the tipping point when disastrous climate change becomes inevitable. It is we who have cancelled the covenant, not Him.
With very best wishes
Penny
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Oh, ouch, that would be a very scary scenario…. a cancelled covenant, don’t think that will ever happen.
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