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Roberta Houle's avatar

Great piece of fiction, Charles. I always enjoy your writing. This one was really disturbing. Which makes it so relevant today.

“Tonight, as I look for a candle during yet another power outage, I shrug, wondering what difference one stupid choice can really make in such a loud crowd of other choices.

It was just one stupid vote.”

I find this to be the most disturbing of all. How many other millions of people felt that way?

Charles Bastille's avatar

Thank you. I kept changing the ending to fit whatever situation we were in, but not that part of the ending. In all the versions, she always disappears, and he always falls asleep sweaty and clutching a gun. If anything, I've been surprised how long it has taken to get to this place. But we are also learning that the resistance is probably stronger. Chicago and Minneapolis have been an inspiration.

Pere Ubu's avatar

Well, this is terrifying to read three days before the election. The only thing I'd personally add would be gunfights between the authorities and friends/family trying to stop folks being taken away. I hope this will remain entirely fictional.

*"Besides," said Tasbrough, "this chewing the rag is all nonsense, anyway. As Crowley says, might be a good thing to have a strong man in the saddle, but—it just can't happen here in America."

And it seemed to Doremus that the softly moving lips of the Reverend Mr. Falck were framing, "The hell it can't!"*

Charles Bastille's avatar

Confidence is high that it will remain fictional. I think Kamala will win in a landslide. A version of this was first written during the first Biden campaign. It was updated for Biden campaign 2.0, and now, I truly believe it has lost relevance — IF people vote.

It looks like, so far, they are. In particular, it looks like women are voting in historic and unprecedented numbers. Thanks for the read and comment!

Sara's avatar

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Vickie Berry's avatar

Wow! A look into the possible future. I must read again.

Maryan Pelland Pen2Profit's avatar

Tomorrow tells the tale. Are we facing a date which will live in infamy? Good writing, Charles. Terrible thoughts.