IMMORTALITY IN THE MODERN WORLD

I wrapped my arms around Kyle. We turned and watched the parasail disappearing in the distance.

‘There he goes, my crazy brother’ I sighed.

‘Maybe he’ll come back safe.’ Kyle suggested, more in hope than expectation.

The clouds on the horizon had been gathering. The storm would make landfall imminently. It had been downgraded from a hurricane, but was still expected to cause widespread damage.

The coastline had been evacuated. When the Governor made the order to leave, Seb had come up with his plan.

He had a million followers.

‘I ride into the storm on a parasail, and film it all for YouTube.’

He couldn’t be dissuaded. He needed a viral hit to keep the advertisers. He needed more views than the other vloggers out there.

‘You might die,’ I pleaded.

‘On the contrary, the footage will make me immortal.’

His ever-faithful friend, Bubs, agreed to drive the speedboat.

Kyle started the engine and, as the small speck in the sky disappeared, engulfed in the bank of rolling clouds, I got into the car.


photo-20180917154615571 (1)
Copyright Michelle DeAngelis

Written as part of Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. The challenge is to write a flash fiction story or poem in around 150 – 175 words, based on the weekly photo prompt. Thanks as always to the challenge host Priceless Joy. For more information visit HERE.

To read other stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.

36 responses to “IMMORTALITY IN THE MODERN WORLD”

  1. You always have such timely stories. Crossing fingers for Seb and all the people in the way of the storm.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you Janet, here’s hoping it passes without too many casualties.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were people out there debating doing this very thing when they heard about the storm. As always, a well-written story Iain!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Exactly my thought Jade, thank you!

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Another story that I would like to say was far-fetched, but unfortunately in these times ,nope! I can see someone wanting to do this exact thing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’d be amazed if someone hasn’t tried it already 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Who would benefit from the ad revenue? The people getting into the car?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think Seb thinks he can survive his stunt – as all these crazy vloggers seem to!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes. It is getting dicier by the day.

        Liked by 1 person

  5. I have read about daredevil youtubers who met an unfortunate demise doing something crazy. This is kind of like that, only, I hope, with a happier ending.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m sure someone has tried it already!

      Liked by 1 person

  6. It seems hopelessly idiotic, and yet people die in similar ways all the time. Funny how humans can be so disengaged from their own mortality, isn’t it? A really imaginative take on the prompt, Iain

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Lynn – I do wonder what they are thinking when they do these things – especially right at the moment when it starts to go wrong…

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Can’t imagine how terrifying that is, what goes through your mind. Can’t bear to think of it to be honest. Great tale Iain

        Liked by 1 person

  7. True, footage him make him immortal.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Except that he may be dead by that time! 🙂

      Like

  8. Kalpana Manivannan Avatar
    Kalpana Manivannan

    A highly imaginative tale but sadly in these times, we do read about so many people trying these daredevil stunts…Its terrifying to know what makes them do this. Great story Lain.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. I wish Seb lands safely and his hopes fulfilled..

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I do too, but I fear not!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. really Iain? quite a sport guy you are and so are your tales always 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Oh my gosh, what some people will do to keep their followers! Great story, Iain!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Exactly PJ. Thank you! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Another telling comment on today’s times.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. blogitwithsurabhi Avatar
    blogitwithsurabhi

    Quite imaginative tale! How far one can go to get Viral 😉 Hope he succeeds in his stunt.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you – part of me hopes he doesn’t, as a warning to some of those vloggers out there!

      Like

      1. blogitwithsurabhi Avatar
        blogitwithsurabhi

        That’s a strong message for them!

        Liked by 1 person

  13. Great story Iain! Looks like we both opted for a social media/reality twist.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Jo, heading over to read yours!

      Like

  14. Does fame mean anything after his demise? stupid person.

    https://ideasolsi65.blogspot.com/2018/09/parachute.html

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Certainly seems to be the way a lot of the younger generations think though.

      Like

  15. It is sad that people (think they?) need to go to such lengths. The advertisers won’t appreciate the sacrifice.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. True. The advertisers will move on, but will be happy with anything that brings them more profit.

      Like

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