All Bottled Up

The park was beautiful and serene. Not a single cloud dotted the sparkling night sky. The trees were in full bloom, large canopies to provide shade in the day. The succulent scent of flowers drifted along the slight breeze that picked up every now and then.

It was the perfect night for a picnic, the Anderson family had decided. They had packed their baskets full of food and walked the short distance to the park.

When they had arrived, young Timmy and Suzie had started to run around and play. Poppy, the family dog, had run after them, not wanting to be left behind. Older brother Alan had helped Mom and Dad to find a spot to set up and lay out the blanket.

Time had passed pleasantly with the young ones playing with the dog while the parents chatted and relaxed on the blanket.

Now it was time to eat and all sat, gathered around the seemingly bottomless basket of food. Everyone was enjoying the sandwiches and chips. Everyone, except for Alan.

Turning to Alan, Dad asked, “What’s wrong son? You look so pale.”

Indeed, Alan’s face was a sickly shade of white. Eyes wide with frantic glancing around, Alan had not touched his food at all. He sat with his knees against his chest, arms wrapped around his knees, and he was slightly rocking back and forth.

“I do hope you’re not getting sick.” A look of concern on Mom’s face made everyone stop and look closer at Alan.

“He looks weally bad.” Suzie frowned.

Mom touched Alan’s forehead. “You are a bit warm, dear.”

“I think he’s gone crazy,” chirped Timmy.

Alan slowly turned his head to look at Timmy, a slow smile spread across his face. “Crazy… You think I’ve gone insane…”

“Well son, you haven’t exactly been enjoying yourself since we got here,” Dad remarked.

"We’ve been here for two months!” Alan exploded. Standing abruptly, he raised his arms and pointed up. “We’ve been stuck here for months! Why aren’t any of you worried? Or trying to get us out of here?!”

“Oh honey, not this again,” sighed Mom.

“I’ll take care of this dear.” Dad stood up and put a hand on Alan’s shoulder. “Now son, you know there’s no sense in worrying about things we can’t control.” He paused. “Besides, it’s pretty nice here.”

Alan’s’ eyes widened as sweat trickled down his face. “You… You are all the ones that have gone crazy! Don’t you remember the real world? Earth? Where there used be day time not just night time!” Alan ran to the edge of the park. With a thud, he ran into an invisible barrier and fell back onto the soft grass.

Dad sighed and looked at Mom. “I just don’t know where we went wrong.”

Mom smiled supportively. “Sometimes, no matter what a parent tries, a child grows up in a way we don’t expect. We can’t force him to enjoy life or to stop worrying about what can’t be changed.”

They heard another thud and looked over to see Alan fall yet again.

“Should I…” Dad started.

“No. He’ll get tired eventually and stop.” Mom gestured to the empty space next to her. “Come sit and finish your sandwich.”

As Dad settled down, Timmy and Suzie got up. Timmy asked, “May we go play with Poppy some more?”

“Of course dears, just mind your brother. Stay away from him for a little while,” Mom cautioned.

They both nodded and ran off with Poppy hot on their heels.

Dad leaned on Mom’s shoulder. “Now if only Alan could see that it’s not so bad. We have the solitude we’ve always dreamed of. We don’t have to worry about constantly being in danger of gang wars and society at large.”

Mom added, “Our daily needs are taken care of. We have plenty of food as somehow the picnic basket fills up every night, and the restroom is always clean. I can’t believe how much fun it is to bathe in the pond.” A mischievous smile flitted across her face.

“It’s like something we would have done in our youth.” He smiled back at her. “Alan just needs to let go of what used to be and is no more. Life is so carefree now. Our dreams have come true.”

As Mom nodded in agreement, another thud could be heard. This time followed by an ear-splitting scream of frustration. The scream reverberated inside the globe that encased the park. Outside, as they floated aimlessly in space, nothing could be heard.

In space, no one can hear you scream.


(766 words)