The Ruin

Mike and Geraldine Baker take over a hotel in a remote and beautiful valley and a mysterious object lands nearby. Mike thinks it is a meteorite, but the thing has several unusual features. Theories are put forward as to what the object actually is; and a bomb disposal officer thinks it is a hoax. Gradually, however, it becomes clear that the object is stranger than anyone can imagine, and for the few people living in the valley, and for the tourists visiting it, heaven turns slowly into hell...

About 23000 words.