Out Of This World?
As soon as Ricky saw it, his blood ran cold. Every single hair on the back of his neck shot up straight like soldiers standing up for attention. What was it? It looked like something out of this world, but it couldn’t be, could it?
This was not what he expected to find. He can feel panic brew inside his body like tea in a pot. How could this be possible? This was supposed to be a vacation for him and his family; a vacation full of happiness, memories, and love. But then suddenly, the ‘alien’ moved, and a terrible feeling hit the pit of Ricky’s stomach.
Ready For Vacation
Ricky Johnson and his family were more than excited to go on their vacation. A week of sandy beaches, glorious sunshine, and unlimited ice cream sounded great! It was just what they needed. They were excited to make more memories and take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The family of five all knew it was going to be a trip to remember. And it was, but for all the wrong reasons
A Hard Time
The Johnson’s vacation came at a time when they needed it most. You see, Ricky’s 84-year-old mother Brenda recently passed away, and her passing had left a gigantic hole in the family. She was the perfect mother, grandmother, and friend. Her smile lit up a room every time she waltzed in.
But despite the happy and cheerful memories they all shared, Brenda’s final years told a completely different story.
What Was Wrong With Her?
Since moving into a care home, Brenda’s health started to deteriorate. She started to say she was seeing things; a demonic man who was after her. She often spent nights waking up distraught, muttering an unknown language no one could understand.
Ricky was devastated to see his mother’s health deteriorate like this. He didn’t understand what had happened to her; it was down to her old age and condition, right? But a week before Brenda passed, she called Ricky in her room and what she told him left a shiver up his spine.
He’s After You
Ricky sat down next to his fragile mother and she grabbed his hand. Her hands were ice cold and as white as snow. “Ricky,” she whispered. “I’m being followed and he’s after you too,” she spat out. Ricky’s heart broke watching his mother act like his.
Ricky held his mother’s hand tight. “You’re fine, mom. There’s nobody after you,” he said, before kissing her on the cheek and getting up to leave. He turned around one last time to his mother and blew her a kiss, she blew one back and Ricky left. That would be the last time he would ever see his mother again.
Two Months Later
Two months after his mother passed, Ricky knew he needed to take this family away on vacation. They all needed something to distract themselves with. So when Ricky stumbled across a gorgeous hut near a stunning beach he booked it immediately.
The family of five set off for their much-needed trip. For the first time in a while, they all felt excited and happy. But little did they know those feelings wouldn’t last. And their entire world was about to get turned upside down.
Vacation Begins Now
The Johnson family arrived at their hut and it was everything they wanted and more. It had four bedrooms, gorgeous decor, and a hot tub Ricky knew his kids would love.
But first, they were going to head down to the beach. The sun was about to set, and Ricky knew it would be something incredible to witness. At the beach, Ricky’s youngest child kicked their ball out onto the road so Ricky went to get it back. But what he saw across the road left him feeling sick to his stomach.
An Old Woman
Across the road from the beach, an elderly looking woman was stood at a bus stop. Ricky picked up the ball and saw that the woman was looking directly at Ricky and his family. What was her problem?
But then Ricky was left even more lost for words when he realized she looked exactly like his mom, Brenda. Was this some kind of joke?
Losing His Mind?
Was Ricky going mad? Surely he was seeing things. It couldn’t have been his mother, could it? He rubs his eyes while his breath quickens, he felt sick to the stomach.
It had been a terrible few months and Ricky was tired. But he knew he had to keep it together for the sake of his kids and family. But little did he know more strange things were soon about to happen.
He Had To Get A Grip
Ricky dismissed the old woman, picked up the ball, and headed back to the beach. He had to get a grip. It was just his imagination, right?
He kicked the ball over to his youngest son who chased after it. The ball went a bit too far for a four-year-old to retrieve, so the family headed over to get it. But what they saw right next to the ball left them feeling sick.
Sick To Their Stomach
As soon as Ricky laid his eyes on it, it made his blood run cold. This had to be some kind of joke right? It was disgusting, but it also only made Ricky want to know more.
His little girl screamed and the sound pierced the silence in the air. “What is that?” his wife asked while consoling their daughter. Ricky had never seen anything like this before.
Sick To Their Stomach
As soon as Ricky laid his eyes on it, it made his blood run cold. This had to be some kind of joke right? It was disgusting, but it also only made Ricky want to know more.
His little girl screamed and the sound pierced the silence in the air. “What is that?” his wife asked while consoling their daughter. Ricky had never seen anything like this before.
Finding The Truth
It turned out that the grotesque critters were actually not some form of alien species, but instead were goose-necked barnacles — a filter-feeding crustacean. These creepy critters are actually a delicacy in Portugal and Spain.
But what the family read next on Google left them even more amazed. Their entire lives were about to change.
Jackpot!
“No way,” Rickys eldest son said, his mouth wide open in disbelief. “What is it, son?” Ricky asked, curious to know more. He handed Ricky the phone and Ricky read it for himself.
Named Percebes, these morsels can go for as much as $124 per pound! With that information in mind, Ricky knew that this patch was probably worth around $65,000! But would Ricky tell others about his discovery? Or would it be him and his family's little secret?
A Secret
Ricky knew that in order to keep others from damaging his discovery, he had to keep their exact location a secret. So he did, and to this day he has never told anyone.
After their discovery, the family continued with their vacation and making memories. Finally, Ricky felt at ease with everything. After all, it’s what his mom would have wanted.
In order to protect the privacy of those depicted, some names, locations, and identifying characteristics have been changed and are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblances to actual events, places, or persons, living or dead, are entirely coincidental.