"Nine...."
There was a birthday cake. It had sixteen glowing candles. This moment I remember with such crystal clarity, the moment before my life fell to ruins. The cake was blue and white, with my name scrawled in gray cursive letters. My parents and siblings gathered around the cake, preparing to sing for me. I didn't realize how much of a blessing their off-key voices and constant bickering were.
But that wasn't all. Sitting next to the cake were keys. I was shocked when I saw them. My....my own car. Freedom at last. At least, that's what I thought. Oh irony, you cruel mistress.
After the party, I hopped into my new car and drove with my parents to the Vision Commission. I entered the ceremony like every eager sixteen-year-old before me, both doubtful and elated.
And now here I am, about to be obliterated.
YOU ARE READING
The Vision
Short Story"T-minus ten seconds until total obliteration." In which a person faces imminent death, their future becomes their past, and we raise the question: can you be punished for something you haven't yet done? Winner of the Inspiration! short story contes...
