It definitely is dark in a way, isn’t it? I’m glad it made you think! Thanks for reading Sharron, especially since you’re picky! -- that’s ok, so am I.
Like your story. I really like your retirement themes. ‘ retired to be a professional consumer’ and then as his wife retired from good health.... lovely ideas. 👍
Oh, my! What a beautiful ending, Clancy. The last letter-writer. Such a charming story. Albeit, charming with an edge of darkness under it. I don't know the answer to your first questions. I will be dead by then and not have to worry about what humanity will become. I am one of the fortunate ones who is never lonely. A woman of many inner resource, I do not crave much companionship. Still, I have a large, pink mailbox, standing out front ready for any letter someone wants to put in it. A tentative invitation. Fine writing, Steadwell -- and I am picky about what I read.
Such an interesting premise! And some really beautiful lines in there; I enjoyed the one about the Sundays, and the how he names each house in his own way. I would love to see this developed further with more character building of the wife / mom / more on what moves the main character, and maybe even more world building too; how else has the world changed with all this automation? Very exciting work either way, the opening line is a real hook.
Thanks Anagha! I definitely felt myself compelled to explore those things as well, but I constrained myself to a certain length of short story that I think is most amenable to Substack. But I’m you picked up on the world-building because one thing I like about this story is that it incorporates this little tiny bit of science fiction about the near future, which is different than most of literary fiction work.
Thanks for subscribing! I’m not quite what you’d call a prolific Substack writer, I only write when true inspiration strikes, so I can never be sure when I’ll post. So if you want, check out some of my past stories, I think some are better than this one.
I found your poems recently and the quality definitely demands more readership, it’s incredible the talent unearthed on Substack!
I'll be sure to check out your other work! Ah and thanks <3 I'm really trying to share poetry that is accessible to as many people as possible, without compromising on quality or substance. At least, that's the goal!
Hypnotic! Loved that bit "The other two were born on Sundays. He was married on a Sunday, too." After reading it I let my guard down and you finished me with that ending. Awesome and lesson learned - thank you 👏
It definitely is dark in a way, isn’t it? I’m glad it made you think! Thanks for reading Sharron, especially since you’re picky! -- that’s ok, so am I.
Like your story. I really like your retirement themes. ‘ retired to be a professional consumer’ and then as his wife retired from good health.... lovely ideas. 👍
Why thank you Mick, thanks for reading! I particularly like the wife retirement line as well.
Eyes are blurry💧did not see that coming
Oh, my! What a beautiful ending, Clancy. The last letter-writer. Such a charming story. Albeit, charming with an edge of darkness under it. I don't know the answer to your first questions. I will be dead by then and not have to worry about what humanity will become. I am one of the fortunate ones who is never lonely. A woman of many inner resource, I do not crave much companionship. Still, I have a large, pink mailbox, standing out front ready for any letter someone wants to put in it. A tentative invitation. Fine writing, Steadwell -- and I am picky about what I read.
Such an interesting premise! And some really beautiful lines in there; I enjoyed the one about the Sundays, and the how he names each house in his own way. I would love to see this developed further with more character building of the wife / mom / more on what moves the main character, and maybe even more world building too; how else has the world changed with all this automation? Very exciting work either way, the opening line is a real hook.
Thanks Anagha! I definitely felt myself compelled to explore those things as well, but I constrained myself to a certain length of short story that I think is most amenable to Substack. But I’m you picked up on the world-building because one thing I like about this story is that it incorporates this little tiny bit of science fiction about the near future, which is different than most of literary fiction work.
Yeah! Sci fi is such a great vehicle; looking forward to seeing what else you come up with
Thanks for subscribing! I’m not quite what you’d call a prolific Substack writer, I only write when true inspiration strikes, so I can never be sure when I’ll post. So if you want, check out some of my past stories, I think some are better than this one.
I found your poems recently and the quality definitely demands more readership, it’s incredible the talent unearthed on Substack!
I'll be sure to check out your other work! Ah and thanks <3 I'm really trying to share poetry that is accessible to as many people as possible, without compromising on quality or substance. At least, that's the goal!
Hypnotic! Loved that bit "The other two were born on Sundays. He was married on a Sunday, too." After reading it I let my guard down and you finished me with that ending. Awesome and lesson learned - thank you 👏
What a great compliment. Thanks Mr. Fitzsimons.
No problem. Same PayPal account as always.
Chapeau!!! I feel like Ernie more often than a millennial should. Great story!
Thanks Bryan!
Love how the lapses in time transition so well. Can’t tell if this story takes place within a two week span or a 50 year span. Either way I’m inspired
Thank you Ason, portraying the passing of time was one of the more difficult aspects of this story so I appreciate that compliment greatly.
Damn man, I was not intending to cry this morning. Thanks a lot. ❤️🩹
Haha sorry! Thanks for reading!
HOLY CRAP THIS WAS POIGNANT
Lindsay, I’ve just discovered your ‘stack, and that means a lot coming from you. Well done and thank you for reading!
Beautiful he said, weeping.
Cry no more! Thanks for reading Dave.
hey thanks. onward!
This is a good’n. All the feels.
Thank ya Daisy, I’ve read your prose lately and that means a lot coming from you!
Wow
This storytelling is one of the best reads anywhere. Great Writing.
Thank you
Thank you Mark. It never gets old receiving compliments like this from strangers. So grateful!