Tag: future
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FUTURE SHOCK
“Congratulations, Mr. Baker. You’re officially cancer free. Welcome to the year 3015.”
I grabbed the doctor’s hand and pumped it up and down. Not bad for a recently thawed popsicle. My billion dollar investment to cheat death paid off. Now I’m healthy and far from my nagging ex-wife.
“Thanks doc. Check me out of here. I’m due for a double bacon cheeseburger and a walk on the beach.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Baker, but outside toxicity levels are inhospitable and the ingesting of animal products was outlawed years ago.”
“Aw, heck. Sounds like my ex’s heaven.”
“There’s also the matter of your bill,” said the doctor. “You’re going to have to work off the remainder as an indentured servant.”
“What?”
“Don’t be alarmed. Your basic needs will be met.”
“So I’m supposed to be some guy’s slave?”
“Only for fifty to sixty years.”
“That’s absurd. I’ll be dead by then.”
“Sorry, but you’re the property of New Life Incorporated until paid in full. The Long-Life serum will keep you young for many centuries. You should feel honored that the president herself requested you as her servant.”
“Well I won’t stand for it. I’m no one’s slave.”
The familiar clicking of high heels made the hair on my neck stand up. I spun around and stared at my ex-wife. She looked as young as the day I left. My heart pounded as she examined me through narrowed eyes. This was impossible.
“Well according to the law you belong to me.”
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That Which Awaits
The first animal seen after your first battle is your totem spirit. At least that’s what I’ve been told all my life. Now my friends all boast of the animals they saw and the good omens they portend. My experience was different. I should be joyful. My totem is the bearer of magic, wisdom, and messages from beyond. Yet happiness eludes me.
Juices run down my hand from the fresh roasted meat I hold, but it feels dry in my mouth. It’s not the cool night air that sends shivers down my back, it’s the vision I saw as the fighting ended, right after I saw my totem. I edge closer to the fire, hoping its warmth will drive away my chills.
I don’t fear death. Never have. Never will. Perhaps that’s why this totem chose me. With my free hand I clutch the pouch that hangs from my neck and close my eyes. Images from the battle replay in my mind, each detail, clearer by the second. The end never changes.
A loud caw caw and the flutter of wings. A lone black feather swirls to my feet. I watch the raven as it circles three times then flies east. Wind tugs at my hair. Sand and dirt blind me, yet my sight is true. I look down. The raven feather still rests at my feet.
It’s a new beginning for me, a vision of the future….but none of my friends or family are in it.
