Illphated

The Last Prayer on Mars

A #shortstory by #illphated

The Buddha sat in silence, towering over the neon-lit ruins of New #Kyoto Colony. Mars had long been abandoned by those who once sought refuge here, leaving behind only the hum of cybernetic monks and wandering androids seeking enlightenment.

Jiro, a lone #scavenger, approached the colossal statue, its ancient form bathed in pink and purple neon. His AI companion flickered to life, whispering, “They say the last human prayed here before vanishing into the ether.”

Jiro placed his hand on the cold metal of the statue. A deep hum resonated through his suit. For the first time in years, he felt something real—something beyond the neon, beyond the machines.

Maybe, just maybe, the #Buddha still listened.