Short Story – The Box Essay Example

by choosing from a selection of flavourings such as curry, chicken, lamb, or pork. Although it tasted artificial, resembling instant soup, it offered a welcomed change. However, life on the spaceship lacked enjoyment.

There was nothing to do. They were embarking on a mission to Mars, which would require 2 years to reach the destination and another 2 years to return. Accompanying them were three other crew members named Fred, Kate, and Jane. If their expressions were truthful, it seemed that they all shared the same sentiment. Despite being only one year into the mission, they were already tired of it. The size of their ship equaled that of two caravans.

In their cramped space, they slept tightly against the walls like cargo, securely strapped in to prevent them from drifting off during sleep. This sleeping area was located at the back of the spacecraft. Across from their designated sleeping spot were the engines, a restricted area where nobody ventured. These rocket engines were only utilized for takeoff, not during the journey in space. Adjacent to the "bedroom" was the bathroom, which consisted of a chemical toilet and a soap dispenser.

The soap provided was comparable to hand gel, but intended for multiple uses. Additionally, there was a kitchen featuring a large fridge (referred to as a dispenser due to its combination of water and food dispensing capabilities) and a microwave. Lastly, the cabin serves as the central command center for the entire spaceship.

-Initial encounter-

After 13 days, everything remains unchanged except for an elevated level of boredom.

There was nothing to do. They had discussed everything about each other during their days together. They were sitting in the same

kitchen, eating the same grey mash as they had done for the past 8 months. Suddenly, an alarm went off and a cool female voice repeated the same words.

"Proximity Alert, Proximity Alert".-Death- This occurrence was not a unique event, but rather a recurring one due to the radar's high sensitivity. The entire crew quickly gathered in the cockpit, filled with anticipation for some action. The radar clearly displayed a red dot approaching their location. In unison, they hurriedly moved towards the window facing the imminent object's path.

Using a pair of binoculars originally intended for observing Mars, they searched the expansive void for the object. Eventually, Jane spotted it and eagerly displayed it to the others. The object was a peculiarly designed pod, unmistakably of extraterrestrial origin, swiftly approaching their location. The pod's arrival took less than a minute.

The Female voice suddenly announced "Docking initiating." A few moments later, the door opened with a hissing sound. Fred cautiously entered and emerged seconds later, clutching a box emitting a green glow. The door abruptly closed, and on the radar, the pod could be observed soaring away. Fear gripped everyone, not due to the box itself, but because it confirmed the existence of extraterrestrial beings and shattered their belief in being alone in the vast universe. Each person took turns inspecting the box only to discover it was empty.

Just as they were about to leave the box and continue with their routines, it inexplicably turned red, seemingly angry at being left unattended. Simultaneously, a knocking sound from outside and Kate's screams disrupted the moment. It was revealed that Kate had gone to the toilet moments

before. However, the screaming abruptly ceased, and the box promptly changed to a green hue. Fred was then observed rushing into the toilet with all possible speed.

He forcefully kicked down the door and quickly entered the room, but abruptly came to a halt. It seemed as though a powerful force had immobilized him. There, on the wall, was a silhouette resembling Kate and an unsettling message. The message was what frightened Fred.

The message, discovered alongside an envelope, is written on a folded piece of paper. Its disturbing content leads to Kate's demise and ultimate destruction. The ship's occupants are aware that they too will meet their fate. Suddenly, Fred becomes aware of a chilling silence engulfing the entire vessel. Upon further inspection, he notices eerie shadows with letters beneath them scattered throughout the ship. All have suffered the same terrible destiny except for Fred. Tragically, once he realizes this distinction, his own tragic end quickly follows.

The box had selected them and transformed into red, indicating that they would perish. The reason for their deaths was evident. The box needed to be eliminated since turning red would result in the eradication of any life form it approached. Furthermore, the box now displayed text in English.

The message in the ship warned of imminent death to anyone who read it. Despite this, the spaceship continued its course towards Earth, under the guidance of the functioning auto pilot. This journey would ultimately bring it closer to the rest of humanity. In the epilogue, Max examined the box closely, taking notice of its innocent appearance but also the mysterious runes etched onto it. Nearby, there was an envelope containing a

letter, which Max also picked up.

Once again, he witnessed the unfamiliar symbols on the envelope. Upon opening the letter, the entire world echoed with screams.