By William Vernet
The orphanage was cold, old, creaking with every step.
Nobody ever treated him kindly. The others mocked him, threw his dinner plate at him, hurt him, made his life miserable.
When they arrived, they began colonizing Earth. A civilization of far superior intellect confining and killing humans, treating them like animals.
They took him, locked him in a cage. Fed, dressed, and brought him toys. Paraded him around on walks on a leash.
When the humans won the war, the boy got sent back to the orphanage, where he dreamt of running on a leash and sleeping in a comfortable cage.
Damn! That’s a powerful thought, and in just a few (well, 101) words. It’s presented as a science fiction story, but the idea expressed can be applied to other contexts if we take this story as a metaphor.
It’s amazing how a well-written 101 word story can provoke so many questions. I hope there’s another installment since I now want to read it.
Thank you so much, Day! ?
There will be a novel released based on this idea, hopefully. Thanks again!(you didn’t have to go through the bother of commenting, really!)
Well written and unfortunately so true.
Nicely done, William. Loved it!
Your story shows there are worse lots in life than being a beloved pet.
It’s interesting that we use the word “adoption” when a child becomes a member of a family, and also when a dog or cat becomes a pet of a family.
Real twist – Stokholm syndrome plus plus!