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Plastic Jungle
October 13, 2021|Short Story

Plastic Jungle

Plastic Jungle

Little Tomas smiled while carefully placing some of his toys inside a colorful backpack. His room had the peculiar scent of manna-scented vacuum. The morning chill crept in through the slightly opened window.

The other members of the family were sleeping when Tomas closed his backpack, and very carefully walked out of his room. He didn’t make a sound to pass unnoticed. Imagining the adventure he was about to enjoy. Surely this would be the day that his dreams came true.

When he got to the kitchen, Tomas took a couple of fruits and left his house. The cold was bearable, especially for a boy who knew what to expect on his adventure.

Tomas stopped a few steps towards the garden of his house. He was able to see the immense forest of the national park. It was a matter of minutes until he reached hostile terrain. The place he liked to travel to when he needed treasures.

“You have to be brave,” Tomas said, placing his toys on the ground around him. “We are looking for a story to share. I cannot promise that we will not fail again. The light animals have been too fast for us to catch—I ask that you follow my lead and trust your senses.”

The small toys came to life: slowly standing upright.

“We have to share their secrets with the world,” Tomas said.

The lights of the three toys came on, and they raised their arms before transforming into small all-terrain vehicles.

“Be careful,” Tomas said, “I’m not losing any of you.”

The toys began to run in circles.

Tomas crossed the garden and entered the forest. Immediately, he was covered in darkness and a dense fog rendered him. It became almost impossible to look into the distance: the flashing red lights of his companions helped him navigate through the shadows.

Just a trace of the elusive creatures he’s been searching for was enough. Tomas raised his plastic pistol and continued into the unknown.

Before long he heard a peculiar sound. Different from the constant chirping of birds. Other hunters, perhaps. Tomas had never met others like him on his expeditions.

He clearly heard the distinctive raking of a weapon. “We have one…”

As he got closer, Tomas noticed that the hunters captured one of the creatures alive. Its bright colors flashed. Its fur moved as if the animal were underwater—it was impossible.

“Who’s there?” said one of the hunters, noticing the presence of an intruder.

Tomas raised his hands and approached them.

“What are you doing here?” asked the second of two hunters.

“Looking for animals of light,” Tomas said, lowering his weapon.

One of the hunters lowered his backpack and took out a small black cube. He placed it on the ground, its structure changed, growing into a large safe.

The hunter holding the light animal began to turn the knob to find the safe’s combination. “We have seen you hunting these lands.”

Tomas frowned.

“You will no longer be able to take away the secrets of the forest,” said the hunter, as he opened the safe. “This little animal will go with us.”

Tomas watched the hunters place the brightly colored animal inside the box, then they closed it. The box began to get small and Tomas worried about the creature’s safety. “What are you going to do with it?”

“That’s not your problem,” said the hunter who had an eye patch. “You will have to find another place to get ideas.”

Tomas’s hunt only led him to find traces of the light animals. This was the first time he had seen one of the creatures in danger and he decided to face the hunters.

The metal-armed hunter took the small black square off the ground to put it in his backpack.

Tomas raised the pistol and fired.

The ammunition destroyed one of the hunter’s metal arms. The small black cube fell to the ground.

“You can never get him out of there in time,” said the eyepatch hunter and fired his weapon.

One of Tomas’s robots transformed and leapt to catch the cube before it hit the ground. Then the robot began to study cubes to find its secrets.

Tomas threw himself to the ground, avoiding being shot, and fired.

The hunters hid behind trees. “You’ll never get away with this,” said one of them.

The robots teamed up behind Tomas to find a way to rescue the trapped little light animal.

“Give back what doesn’t belong to you,” said the metal-armed hunter, as his arm became a bazooka.

“Hurry, open that box,” Tomas said, and shot the hunters.

Eventually the box returned to its natural size, one of the robots began to manipulate the lock, while the others cut the metal with lasers.

“Give back our trophies and no one will get hurt,” said the metal-armed hunter before firing.

The energy ball slammed into a tree, knocking it over with the explosion. Tomas felt the nearby heat and the characteristic smell of burnt wood.

“Hurry up,” said Tomas, “we have to get out of here.”

The robots managed to open the safe and the light animal jumped out. Tomas couldn’t believe the beauty of the creature. The colors changed with the movement of its fur.

The animal jumped on Tomas’s shoulder, and he felt the energy of the forest within him; ideas and information came faster than he could have imagined.

Tomas got up…somehow, his plastic pistol became an assault rifle. He turned his head to look at the animal on his shoulder and fired. The bullet glowed brightly, leaving a trail of light.

The hunters began to flee after the first explosion of light.

Tomas paused and noticed that the creature was still on his shoulder. “Do you want to be my friend?”

The light animal looked confused and tilted its head to the side. Then it jumped into the forest and disappeared.

Tomas returned home with new stories to share with his friends.

102 comments
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Sebastian Iturralde

I am a fiction blogger and lover of literature, art, and all things creative. As a citizen of this beautiful planet, I am constantly inspired by the natural world around me.

102 comments

  • October 13, 2021 at 8:15 am

    There is a thin veil we cross in Tomas’ imagination as the toys transform all around him. The plastic pistol somehow became an assault rifle. I just imagine playing and then this child-like psychosis kicks in and all the delusions become a new reality. stories to take home and tell.

    • November 18, 2021 at 10:21 am

      These stories definitely spark our imagination in fun and creative ways that some of us haven’t considered since childhood. Such a talented blogger with such interesting stories!

  • October 13, 2021 at 8:20 am

    It seems like you are very talented at writing such an amazing story. Every time I read your post. I’m just into the story you wrote.

  • abvr
    October 13, 2021 at 8:21 am

    This is an amazing 👏 story

    I can’t believe I’m reading exactly the action that takes place in my garden terrace just outside my bedroom window, everyday without fail after kindergarten.

    The only difference is those stories come alive in his mind every day.

    He just can’t wait to pack his bags to set out on his expedition with all his little ninjas to save whoever needs their help on the day.
    Most times I must taken on a character which he directs.

    I’m almost suggestion you watched this for real and then went to write ✍ 😳 😅

  • Ronnie Lewis
    October 13, 2021 at 8:30 am

    Nice writing

  • sam
    October 13, 2021 at 8:40 am

    nice story sebastian

  • Paul
    October 13, 2021 at 8:51 am

    Enjoyed that. Waiting for next excursion into the forest

  • October 13, 2021 at 8:58 am

    I agree with everyone who said that this is a great story. Tomas is a little boy with a terrific imagination, and it is fun to follow him into the adventure he creates for himself.

  • October 13, 2021 at 9:15 am

    Cute story 😍

  • October 13, 2021 at 10:50 am

    you sold me instantly on the transforming toys. great write.

  • Lili
    October 13, 2021 at 11:04 am

    Sensacional esta historia, de muita imaginação mesmo. Fiquei excitada lendo ate o final !!

  • October 13, 2021 at 12:07 pm

    Nice article

  • October 13, 2021 at 12:32 pm

    Another very good imaginative story and well done Sebastian…

  • October 13, 2021 at 2:49 pm

    Imagination is a lost art when we get older. I am trying to get it back and love your stories. Great job and Thanks …

  • October 13, 2021 at 4:13 pm

    Just beautiful, your composition is impeccable. Amazing writing

  • Thomas Shirley
    October 13, 2021 at 4:53 pm

    Once again you amaze me with your talent for writing.

  • October 13, 2021 at 5:30 pm

    🙂

  • October 13, 2021 at 6:29 pm

    Magical! The descriptions were very vivid.

  • October 13, 2021 at 8:42 pm

    Sebastian, you’ve been reading and liking my posts, and I have been inattentive to your writing. I need to read you more. I like this!

  • October 13, 2021 at 11:17 pm

    I love your imagination. I remember my own childhood when I would set up my GI Joe in a makeshift bunker under our backyard tree to stand guard. Of course, he didn’t come to life. Darn…

  • October 14, 2021 at 12:02 am

    Another amazing story. Your talent is evident.

  • October 14, 2021 at 2:58 am

    Wow!!

  • October 14, 2021 at 3:19 am

    That’s indeed a masterpiece

  • October 14, 2021 at 3:35 am

    Is there any limit to the quirkiness of your minds output? With what have your parents fed you as a child? Let me know, so I can introduce that diet to my grandchildren. Loved it thank you!

  • October 14, 2021 at 10:02 am

    This story is so unique and imaginative. It’s got a lot of promise and so engaging. I would just say there are ways to improve the pacing of this story, removing a bit of repetition, and it’a a shame that the formatting makes it difficult to read. That being said, it could be because I’m on my phone. If not, creating paragraphs would be a massive help.

  • October 14, 2021 at 10:05 am

    Great story! Love your bio 🙂

  • October 14, 2021 at 12:01 pm

    Thanks for sharing…

  • October 14, 2021 at 1:00 pm

    Brilliant! Warmly, C

  • October 14, 2021 at 1:36 pm

    Great work again, Sebastian. Pulled me right into the story. Gracias otra vez.

  • October 14, 2021 at 3:23 pm

    Another great story. Thank you for sharing your talent 😊

  • October 14, 2021 at 7:08 pm

    That was perfect!! It’s a different, exciting, fun, and seems to grasp the imagination of a child creating a story in their mind! I loved it, once again, you exceeded your imaginary capacities, great job!

  • October 15, 2021 at 12:10 am

    Ghost Boy…is that you? Well if it is, have you seen the mouth breather thats mimicking your ROGS blog? It’s undeniably hilarious! Check out Stop Gangstalking on WordPress. Is there any way to locate the real identity of bloggers ? I’d sure like to turn this bloggers electric off.

    • November 5, 2021 at 12:11 pm

      The Internet makes it very difficult to control people’s online behavior. Thanks for the advice.

  • Neetu Kenny
    October 15, 2021 at 7:44 am

    A cute interesting story! You have the best ideas.

  • October 15, 2021 at 12:03 pm

    Simply suberb 👏😊

  • October 15, 2021 at 1:43 pm

    Very imaginative, creative… unique story. Thank you!

  • October 15, 2021 at 5:06 pm

    I’d love to be able to read the collection of Sebastian’s short stories in tangible, material form – a published book!

  • October 15, 2021 at 7:50 pm

    This story vaguely reminds of Hatari starring John Wayne. Tomas reminds me of John Wayne’s character.

  • October 15, 2021 at 10:37 pm

    This is a good one btw i can also write some stories for ya.

  • October 16, 2021 at 1:54 am

    Good telling as well as showing. Just clear up a few items: How many hunters are there? Be specific. Give more info about Thomas as to age and so forth. Nice story about an enchanted forest. It works.

  • October 16, 2021 at 4:31 am

    Brilliant post forever !!!!

  • October 16, 2021 at 7:33 am

    Hello sir can I contact u

  • October 16, 2021 at 9:08 am

    Hi

  • October 16, 2021 at 9:26 am

    I see you everywhere 🤯

  • October 16, 2021 at 11:15 am

    Hi,
    I just wanted to say hello and great story. Even though the story seemed to be a simple story of a child’s adventures, I could see the depth of the story. In a way, I think the story was trying to illustrate how sometimes adults destroy the innocence of children. How as a child, he has a way of finding the truly spectacular animals because of his childish wonderment. Also how his imagination was used as a superpower to keep him safe as he kept the secrets of the forest safe in his protection. I may be wrong, but that’s what I got from it. I also wanted to take a moment and say thank you for reading some of my blogs. It is nice to know that someone appreciates my voice and perspective. Thank you, as a fellow blogger.

  • October 16, 2021 at 11:55 am

    Wow ✨

  • October 16, 2021 at 3:06 pm

    Wow! What an intense scene! Glad the light animal was saved 🙂

  • October 17, 2021 at 7:30 am

    Thank you for liking my post. I haven’t been on social media for over 5 years. Recently I tried a social media platform, and I cannot see anything externally so I got off.

  • October 17, 2021 at 8:52 am

    Thanks for another great story. Cheers.

  • JoyceAnn
    October 17, 2021 at 10:37 am

    Thank you, Sebastian, for liking my posts. I’ve truly enjoyed immersing my mind in your imagination! Makes me want to return to writing again.

  • October 17, 2021 at 10:51 am

    Nice story…. Thanks for liking my post….I know it is an open platform but can I ask something….

  • October 17, 2021 at 1:28 pm

    Interesting read!

  • Buffalo Winter
    October 17, 2021 at 6:55 pm

    The beginning of the story felt ominous and in my mind’s eye I saw “little Tomas” as a boy in a cookie cutter house early one morning sneaking out of his home.

    But it changed quickly, I appreciated the cube used to capture the light creature, a unique tool I have not read about or seen before in science fiction, too cool.

    The end was humorous with the creature just disappearing after the friendship question, imho.

  • October 17, 2021 at 7:34 pm

    Hi! Thank you for liking my recent post. I’m a neophyte when it comes to writing. I’d be definitely checking out your posts for inspo. Godspeed!

  • October 18, 2021 at 1:20 am

    The truth you are very blessed in writing talent. For sure everytime I check on your story I feel am part of that very story. Keep that spirit up

  • October 18, 2021 at 9:06 am

    Nice drops sir

  • October 18, 2021 at 1:18 pm

    hi

  • October 19, 2021 at 1:56 am

    Wow…you are such a great writer..I really love your work.

  • October 19, 2021 at 3:28 am

    I have watched you following my blogs so decided to take a proper look at yours. Interesting stories, ever thought about putting a book of short stories together? Will take more time to read your stories now I have closed down some of my own sites. Keep writing.

    • November 5, 2021 at 12:08 pm

      I can put it all together for a 2021 short story compilation book. Thanks for the idea!

  • October 19, 2021 at 7:39 am

    Good

  • October 19, 2021 at 6:35 pm

    Wow! I haven’t read all of your stories, but your talent is exceptional! I have subscribed and followed. And I appreciate your comment on my new blog. I am very new at this, and my blog looks nothing like yours! You are an amazing writer and I look forward to reading every story!

  • October 19, 2021 at 9:52 pm

    You are a true inspiration for new bloggers.
    Nice post although 👍👍👍

  • October 19, 2021 at 11:32 pm

    Thanks for taking the time to read and like my blogs. Your blogs are so amazing. Just let your imagination go wherever it leads you and it may surprise you. I love what you have created for everyone! Kudos!

  • October 20, 2021 at 11:58 pm

    Wow 🤩! You are an amazing writer. Really love it 😊👍

  • October 22, 2021 at 12:31 am

    Be a kind of person that people won’t be able hate you. Enjoy every moment. Be as much good as possible for you because remember Karma repays. Be in that group of people where every person will love your presence. In this world of two types of people, darling be the good one.

  • October 22, 2021 at 12:56 am

    You look so good!

  • October 22, 2021 at 3:07 pm

    Nice Amigo! A refreshing read. Thank you for support and inspirational insight into the world of fiction

  • john loofbourow
    October 22, 2021 at 8:42 pm

    Sebastian, this is the first time I have seen some of your work. It is impressive, and it seems like the fragments of a much larger saga. .. as if you are creating and accumulating material over time. Your writing also makes me wonder if you speak Spanish or Brazilian Portuguese. In any event I look forward to more, and wonder if you are the ghost of Isaac Asomov … just finished his I, Robot stories. Thanks for responding to my little posts on nwalmanac!
    John

    • November 5, 2021 at 12:00 pm

      It’s a pleasure to have you here and I hope you enjoy my other stories.

  • October 24, 2021 at 6:40 am

    This was such a wonderful read <3

  • October 25, 2021 at 1:57 am

    Just discovered your site. This is the second of your stories I have read. They are wonderful!

  • October 25, 2021 at 6:01 pm

    Awww.. I wanted more.

  • October 29, 2021 at 1:37 am

    I loved reading this story, something so magical about it, took me back to my childhood!

  • November 1, 2021 at 10:56 pm

    Takes me back to Toy Story days lol….a little guy and his toys …his closest buds! Keep this story going to bring an ephiphany of some sort to the readers💯

  • November 2, 2021 at 8:54 pm

    I love this one. It is now a favorite!

  • November 4, 2021 at 5:32 pm

    Great read. You are on fire! Somebody cool him off!

  • November 5, 2021 at 3:45 am

    You say you’re not a writer but as I read your story I couldn’t be convinced of that. Great writing!

    • November 5, 2021 at 11:01 am

      I am happy to see the fruits of these years of work. I hope you are enjoying them.

      • November 5, 2021 at 12:17 pm

        Definitely!

  • November 6, 2021 at 9:20 am

    “As he got closer, Tomas noticed that the hunters captured one of the creatures alive. Its bright colors flashed. Its fur moved as if the animal were underwater—it was impossible”

    Your writing is very deep
    And disturbing.
    I LOVE it!

    Cheers!
    –Lance

  • Leslie beattie
    November 6, 2021 at 11:19 pm

    Thank you for the adventure.

  • Father Ward
    November 7, 2021 at 12:42 pm

    Oh, I love this one, man! Wow, new favorite!

  • November 8, 2021 at 7:29 pm

    What a gift you have!

  • Ariana
    November 9, 2021 at 3:24 pm

    I really love the imagery in this story, it is well crafted!

  • November 11, 2021 at 12:37 pm

    Gripped till the end. Short but yet amazing. Thank you

  • November 11, 2021 at 6:32 pm

    Your fiction is a nice respite for me as I’m sure it is for others. Thank you for letting me visit.

  • November 15, 2021 at 11:26 am

    Oh my. I wasn’t expecting the end. It was wonderful

  • November 19, 2021 at 2:42 pm

    I enjoyed the magic of imagination in this one. It sounds like a very fun world to explore.

  • December 1, 2021 at 2:12 am

    Enjoyed reading. it’s truly Imaginative.

  • Rugshana
    December 1, 2021 at 5:49 am

    Dear Sebastian, Are you Tomas sometimes? I love this one the most!

  • December 1, 2021 at 3:34 pm

    First off, kudos for the creative and prolific writing, and for the dedication and imagination that inspires others. The very cool images that head the stories are an added plus. Dig your style.
    Second, I have read a few of your stories over time but could not comment as I am not on any social media.
    However, on this .com I can!
    Deep thanks for your continued interest in my 00 site.
    Oh, and those toys in the Plastic Jungle. I designed them: https://bit.ly/3lrd2qU

  • December 1, 2021 at 11:43 pm

    A well-crafted story where the imagination is the main violin.

  • December 2, 2021 at 4:02 pm

    Enjoyed this.

  • January 16, 2022 at 12:26 pm

    Sebastian, your short story provided a really gentle escapism into my own imagination. Well done friend!

  • JimRak
    March 2, 2022 at 5:18 pm

    Really interesting post!

  • June 22, 2022 at 4:01 pm

    I really enjoyed this story. Very well written!

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    Author's Note
    The Andes' highlands served as a source of inspiration for this short story. I hope you'll find the same beauty and wonder in its words that I did while crafting it.
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