Thursday, August 18, 2011

FLASH FICTION FRIDAY, CYCLE 44: LAST LAUGH

I have been away for awhile, and have missed F3 terribly. Our move is complete though, and while there is always something left to tidy up or switch over, we're pretty much settled in. I have much catching up to do, going back to read all the stories I've missed. I had to get in on this one though. I mean, with a prompt like 'unrest' and it's relationship to fear? Right up there on my list of favorite topics. To me, unrest brings to mind the fear that all we know is coming undone.

The prompt was to write a story about unrest, with the genre being open and the word count being 1500 words or less. I do hope you enjoy.

LAST LAUGH

To Whom It May Concern,

I can only pray enough humanity remains within whoever finds this to invoke concern. If you are that rarity in these dark days, I write this for you.

My name is Steve Josephson, and today, I am 43 years old. I have always known this day would come, but I also had always hoped I would have more time. I wanted to grow old with my wife, Nancy, and for both of us to have been privileged to watch our 13 year old son, Ricky and our 6 year old daughter, Laurie, enjoy families of their own. However, none of it was to be.

When I retrieved the morning paper and read the headline, I became confused. Why wasn’t there panic in the streets? Why was there no military presence in the air and on the ground? Then, I knew. It was already too late. As I re-read the article, I could literally feel the bias. Of course, THEY had prepared and distributed this, the last edition. Not to warn. To inform. THEY were here, and wanted us to know our end was near.

I have been going to monthly meetings with fellow believers for about 8 years. When I would return home with valuable intel, Nancy and my children smiled and nodded, but never accepted the truth. Well, soon, the truth will be marching up our driveway.

The group and I were never able to determine exactly from which galaxy THEY originated, but the signs were all there defining THEIR objectives. Moving from world to world, turning the men and boys into slaves to build their cities, coupling with women and girls to propagate their kind, and consuming the elderly and infirm. I tried to warn my friends and neighbors that the indoctrination had begun using books and movies, but my words went unheeded. It was all being done to get us ready, so when the time came, there would be minimal resistance. I can only wonder what those closest to me are thinking now as they are being branded like cattle.

It matters not because I will not go quietly into that good night. And neither will my loved ones. THEY are outside even as I document these events, calling for me to step outside. THEY understand what I’ve done and want to help me. My home is surrounded and there is no other way out. Really?

I phoned my brother-in-law, David, to let him know what I had done so he could follow suit, but I was betrayed. I told him how I had shot Nancy and each of the children in the head as they slept. To keep them pure. To keep them safe. He hadn’t seen the paper, and there was still time to protect his family. But a good deed never goes unpunished, I believe the saying goes. As soon as I offered the solution, the lies began. There is no invasion, he said. It was all a joke. Nancy had that edition printed in a novelty shop especially for my birthday. My cake, to be delivered later, was in the shape of a flying saucer. What have you done, he cried. What have you done? Ha, ha, I responded. As if my wife would ridicule me, and joke about the future of our beloved Mother Earth…

Soon after I had hung up, THEY arrived, along with David, with THEIR vehicles and masks and weapons. It’s too late for David, but perhaps not for you. It’s a gradual take-over, you see--baby steps, and there is hope if you believe and do not hesitate. Understand the signs and heed my warnings. Don’t let THEM win. Nancy and our children are waiting for me on that other side. I saved the last bullet for me. As soon as I pull the trigger, I will be as free as they.

I believe entry will be attempted shortly, so my time for farewell has come. Be strong, and hold tight to your courage and faith. Remember too. One straight up under the chin. No pain. Only peace…

10 comments:

  1. Beach, Thanks so much. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Sometimes the damage that fear can do is even more frightening than the source of the fear itself.

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  2. So true, Joyce! This is wonderful madness. And so tragic.

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  3. Wow! Drag me in then sucker punched me Joyce. Oh yeah aliens and stuff, I was disappointed with you Joyce. But just a little razzle dazzle to take your eye off the magician's hands. I really loved this story.

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  4. Sometimes the damage that fear can do is even more frightening than the source of the fear itself.

    Amen!

    That is the very thing that happened to the United States after 9/11. It was made worse by parasites that used the fear to advance their own interests.

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  5. Oh! Such a good writing! I don't even know whether to love the protagonist or not, or to even feel pity for him or hate him. This is very good! I like it. You brought to me different kind of emotions while reading this. :)

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  6. The creepiest thing about this story is the fact that it is almost the truth in some cases, those what do you call them ... the groups of fanatics. Excellently - and disturbingly - well done, Joyce!

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  7. What scares me most about this is that Steve Josephson believed he knew the 'truth'.

    We all have our beliefs, our understanding of what's real and what's not, but imagine someone telling you that what makes absolute sense to you is all falsehood...and while you're busy telling other 'fanatics' they're mad are you prepared for the shocker that they might actually be right? :-o

    Creepy story, Joyce - SO glad you're back on the team! :-)

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  8. That threw me for a loop when he shot his loved ones, when he stated they're waiting for me outside, I thought he meant his family and then the Ohhh! moment. Great tale of madness and paranoia! Thanks for sharing

    L Turner

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  9. Dark and scary... this will give me nightmares, Joyce... because there is more than just a grain of truth in this.

    So very true what you say about fear causing more damage than that which causes the fear.

    I have so missed your 'voice'... your writing is incredible... spellbinding... always leaves me a little breathless!

    Welcome back, Joyce. Excellent story!

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