The Response by John Sheirer
“Henry?” The telephone voice sounded far away. “Remember how much you loved reading science fiction as a boy?” “Yes,” Henry replied. “Remember how you wished the aliens would take you away?” the voice asked. “Who is this?” Henry said. “We’re here,” the voice responded. “We’ve come for you.” Henry recalled his childhood spent staring at the stars, wishing for a spaceship to rescue him from his ordinary life. But that was decades ago. He now had a loving wife, three wonderful kids, a sweet dog, a meaningful career, a comfortable home, cable TV. Henry asked, “Can I call you back?” |
John Sheirer lives in Western Massachusetts and is in his 30th year of teaching at Asnuntuck Community College in Enfield, Connecticut, USA. His latest book is the award-winning short story collection, Stumbling Through Adulthood: Linked Stories. Find him at JohnSheirer.com.
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