Retirement
by Jonathan Tolstedt
Sherburn’s fingers traced the image of his daughter’s face. ‘Why do I have to be here?’
’You know the answer, Dad. Everyone over 75 has to be in the Retirement Home. Which reminds me. You’re going to the orientation dinner tonight, right?’
’I’m afraid that’s required, too.’ He smiled and ended the call.
The orientation ‘dinner’ consisted of him, seated in front of a giant wallscreen, and the
orderly who escorted him. He understood, as an uploaded, virtual person, he didn’t need food. Still, it seemed like there should be something.
The wallscreen came to life. He wanted to look away, but the orderly made him watch. It was part of the agreement the Earth had made with the invading aliens. Besides, it would bring closure.
He watched as two reptilian aliens sat at a table in real-life and consumed his former
body – and understood he could never go back.
Jonathan Tolstedt is a patent agent by day and evolving writer by night. He has previously published a short horror story (2018) and had four of his 100-word horror stories accepted for publication by Black Hare Press (2024). He is an active, ongoing participant in a variety of writing competitions.
This story won The People’s Prize in the November 24 Monthly Micro Competition.