Author Archives: Gabriel Schlesinger

I was on my way home from the supermarket when I realized what was wrong. There hadn’t been any birds. There were always pigeons underneath the bridge. Most avoiding human contact, but one or two stubborn and immovable that you had to dodge. Do not trust a bird that feels no fear. But today, thereContinue reading “Day 14: Birds”

We only steal what we can’t afford. We can’t afford anything. One of those statements is a lie, and it doesn’t matter which one. We steal bread like a swarm of angry Jean Valjeans. We slip cell phones down our pants. Brandy fills a travel mug with rolled up pairs of underwear. Ken once walkedContinue reading “Day 13: Theft”

The dead love cellphones. They love burritos, and pot dispensaries and condoms. Show them a light for the first time, and they clap. They don’t think there are tiny people in the television. They marvel less at skyscrapers than they do at grocery stores. “So many different types of soup! People must really love soupContinue reading “Day 12: Resurrected”

“End of the World Helpline, this is Mary, how can I be of service?” Marisol tensed. That moment before you know the problem is the hardest. Will she have to instruct somebody on delivering a baby into a doomed world, be a grief counselor, or teach somebody how to set a snare trap (hopefully forContinue reading “Day 11: Caller”

Speckled. Multi-colored. Left in grass. Balanced on eaves. Another, always just in your peripheral vision. It was unsurprising that the children thought it was an Easter egg hunt, even though it was two weeks too late, and the eggs were, well, big. There were a range of sizes, but even the smallest were too bigContinue reading “Day 10: Eggs”

The rock garden is my favorite chamber. It’s the farthest point from the central chamber, a giant cave where most of our homes are located. Our settlement is pretty social in general. Community is how we’ve survived this long. Loners like me are pretty rare, and I don’t really feel like I’m that much ofContinue reading “Day 9: Light”

Tess has joined the dream. “Shit, what the hell is going on?” Matt was in a dark hallway, being followed by something that could have been a childhood bully, a goblin or his co-worker that droned on too long at meetings. It seemed to change with each step. Cleo was dancing, but clearly getting tired,Continue reading “Day 8: Dream”

After the test, I went straight home. Molly ran up and asked how I did, and I gave her a thumbs up, but we both knew that there was no way to know for sure. Nobody knows what they’re actually looking for on the test. Some questions don’t even have correct answers, and on theContinue reading “Day 7: Test”

Lie down. Preferably some place comfortable. But that’s up to you. Beds are good, but some people prefer the floor. Couches aren’t great. Remember you’ll be there for a while. So, grass may seem good, but then a single blade tickles your ear or a ladybug crawls up your leg. A rarely used street lateContinue reading “Day 6: Meditation”

The exhibits at the Museum of the Changing Past change every day. Not all of them, but enough that we find it worthwhile to go a couple of times a week. Lindsey and I both have memberships (I campaigned pretty hard to get mine as a birthday present). You’re only allowed to one guest perContinue reading “Day 5: Time”