By Tom Baldwin
“Police Department. What is the emergency?”
“There’s a man breaking into my house. Come quickly!”
“I’m sorry, sir, but according to our records, your monthly Emergency-Response Levy expired yesterday.”
“I couldn’t pay it because my Health Levy just doubled, on top of my kid’s School Levy increase last month. Please, send help, and I’ll pay by the end of the week, I promise.”
“You need to stay calm and make the payment now, sir, before I can send anyone.”
“He’s got a gun! Don’t shoot me! Please don’t…”
“Please, pay now, sir, or I will clear the call. Hello, sir? Hello?”
This brings to mind PKD’s Ubik! Funny but also dread-inducing.
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Ugh. I was in panic mode. For so many reasons…your writing…. and the constant dread carried around with current reality
Good job!
Strong message with a hint of dark humor. Well done. My favorite piece from this week.
LOL! But seriously, a glimpse of the future? I loved the dialogue.
Dystopian. Well done!
That was good. Dystopian but also kind of realistic?
Good one! Fingers crossed we don’t head that way…
Another winner! Funny and, hopefully, not prescient.
I can see that happening.