The giant creature pulsed, once, twice, propelling itself forward through the water, blue tentacles trailing in the wake of its translucent body, like streamers wafting sadly on a filmy chandelier the morning after a party.

Flora and Richard stood naked at the edge of the sea, foam gathering around their ankles while they watched the horizon turn from a deep ultramarine to orange.

‘Ready?’ she said, nudging him.

‘Will it be cold?’

‘Bloody freezing.’

‘At least you’re honest.’

‘The only way is to do it quickly.’ She took his hand and they ran forward.

The creature turned.

***

 

A Lion’s Mane is one of the world’s largest jellyfish; the body can grow up to two metres wide, with metres of tentacles with powerful stings.

***

For those who don’t know how Friday Fictioneers works, this picture (this time supplied by DLovering) is our inspiration for our weekly online writing group hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields. Each story is only about 100 words long, so why not read a few others: click here to read some more or to join in.  And please comment below with any suggestions on mine, or just to show you’ve visited.