The Millennium Issue:
Future
Deena L. Trouten
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Tomorrow We Die
Leon finally found the "advertisement." It was buried in the classifieds -- second-to-last page. He grunted, scowled, flipped the table. Pages scattered. Leon paced and muttered. His lips pinched a cigarette which bobbed with each utterance. The cat crossed his path. Leon kicked it.
The Times office staff had told Leon he would have to "inform the world" of his "prophetic revelation" in a 10-cent-a-word personal ad. He had hoped there was one employee -- one kindred spirit -- who shared his vision and would cover the story in-depth. It was a long shot, but circumstances were extraordinary.
Evidently, no one had shared the vision.
Leon’s soul was ready for death’s journey. He had thought others might appreciate the opportunity to prepare. It shouldn't surprise him that his revelation was perceived as the maniacal raving of some misbegotten Elijah, but then, no prophet is ever accepted in his own town. Leon had heard that somewhere. He believed it.
After several hours of quiet contemplation, Leon euthenized the cat with a single pellet shot between the eyes. In pre-dawn darkness he settled onto the stoop, and with a resigning breath, waited for validation from the sun, which he alone knew would not rise.
~Deena L. Trouten
Deena lives in eastern North Carolina with her husband and two children. She enjoys reading and writing short fiction. Email her.
© 2000 by Deena L. Trouten. All Rights Reserved.
© 2000-2002 by Cayuse Press. All Rights Reserved.
This page updated April 23, 2002.