(Photo Credit: Photo by Zoltan Tasi on Unsplash)

The dry wood satiated the raging appetite of the fire as the flames leapt higher and higher. The crackling sound as the firewood snapped was as crystal clear and resonating as a pistol shot. A menacingly howling wind exacerbated the calamity further as the whistling force spread the orange glow in all directions. As brave and determined firemen struggled with their hoses to douse what seemed to be a hellfire threatening to consume the entire forest range, this was Low Siew Kuan’s worst nightmare coming true. The Director for the Conservation of Bio Diversity and Prevention of Flora and Fauna, Siew Kuan had yelled hoarse about the perils of Climate Change.

In conference after conference, meeting after meeting she had painstakingly, patiently, and poignantly warned about Greenhouse gas emissions, via the greenhouse effect, causing the global temperature to increase and the climate to change. She warned that such an effect enhances the likelihood of wildfires.

“Hah” a CEO had snorted derisively in response. Undaunted and undeterred, Siew Kuan continued, “Why? Because warmer temperatures exacerbate evaporation, meaning the atmosphere draws increased moisture from soils, making the land drier.”

Capitalism however trumped Coniferous forests as companies continued their slash and burn policies. SK watched in horror as the antlers of a red deer stag were set ablaze making it look like Mother Nature’s own version of Hellboy. As the fire engulfed the deer’s elegant frame, Siew Kuan fled the scene with tears of angst and anxiety streaming down her anguished face.

(Word Count: 249)

#TellTaleThursday with Anshu & Priya

For more stories for the week, please click HERE

Please leave this field empty

Don’t miss the posts!

Email Address *

We don’t spam!

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.