Finnian Burnett

A 100 word microfiction piece.

The Swarm

You swing toward the airlock, gripping for the rung you know is there. A twitch on your skin could be the drip of sweat under your spacesuit. Your fingers wrap around the bar and you wrench yourself up. Legs fly free as the itch intensifies.

Get out. Brennan’s screams reverberate in your intercom. They’re crawling all over me.

She goes silent as you grasp the last handhold and shove the hatch. It gives and you reach for freedom. A shadow crosses your leg and scurries over the thigh muscle. Your muscles seize as the creatures penetrate your suit. They’re here.