By Cathy Chapaty
Listening intently to the ancient recording, Dr. Bell’s jaw dropped; his eyebrows rose.
“This is the find of the century!” Bell texted Dr. Hoyer, who sat nearby. “Where does this sound come from? Here?” Bell felt his throat.
Neither scientist had heard a spoken word. No one had for thousands of years.
Colleagues called Bell crazy for believing that speech was once a form of human communication—that people talked on phones, in cafes, in classrooms. Technology made talking obsolete and one day, speech died.
“We’ll tell the world!” Bell texted. The second he left the room, Hoyer erased the disc.
I appreciate the practical possibility that this could be a real future! I also like the nod to Alexander Bell.
Thank you!
This would make a great Black Mirror episode!
Thanks, Kristie!
Wow! Cathy! This is amazing with capital letters. I really really enjoyed it.
Thanks, David. Glad you enjoyed it!
It will never happen, but chilling all the same.
Chilling indeed.
Very interesting! Loved the concept.
Thank you!
It took me a few readings to fully understand this (because I’m not real smart with sci-fi and futuristic stories), but when I got it, I was like, “Wow!” .
Really interesting and enjoyable story.
Thank you, Brian!
Giggle, giggle…
Good concept. Sounds like a peaceful world – no more screaming kids?
Gone the way of cursive as I text. Lol
I really enjoyed this one! I like fantasy stories that have a reflection of reality in them. Good job!