By Gypsie-Ami Offenbacher-Ferris

In response to Story Challenge in 99 Words – Hosted by
The Carrot Ranch Literary Community April 25, 2022

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They’re up and away. Old, young, professionals, the sick. All of them were innocent, including her.

What would they think if they knew what she’d done? What would they do? It truly was an innocent mistake, but that was no excuse. She was a grown woman, an adult. She should never have let it happen. But she did.

She watched the mass escape, beautifully terrifying against the clear azure sky of her homeland. How many would make it?

She hefted her backpack. Setting out on foot, following the balloons; wondering if she’d make it and if she wanted to.