The Leaves’ Goodbye

By Vahid Zakeri

I received the monitor this morning. The Real Disease Eradication Center has sent it to everyone. I look out the window. The sunshine is pleasant, and the maple leaves are swinging slowly. No one is out.

Today is our neighbourhood’s turn. The Center’s spokesman said the emigration is not mandatory; however, the world is so infected that many deaths are inevitable. The leaves’ swinging is like a wave goodbye.

I turn my gaze to the monitor. It’s my turn. I raise my hands over it and dive in. I hear the loud welcome of the cyberworld. I don’t look back anymore.