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Elva's avatar

I refused to have children. I am still awaiting the men in the black books to come and present the bill. I will bargain with them and remind them I grand-mothered others' children. If that does not work, I will claim I am still raising my inner child.

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

That'll work. The men in black boots know of the inner child exemption :) Thanks for reading Elva!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

Go Elva!

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Sandhya, writer & musician's avatar

Doesn't get sharper or cut deeper than this. Thanks as always, Victor.

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Thank you Sandhya. I always appreciate your comments. This story is a bit of an overstatement, I know, but it seems each day maybe less so. At times, fiction and reality are blending.

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Mónica's avatar

Wow...esta historia me deja una gran reflexión. Gracias.

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Gracias, Mónica. Como creo que sepas, mi intención es provocar la reflexión. Me da gusto de haberlo podido hacer.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

A chilling story told entirely through dialog! You are an expert at this format -no telling, just listening in on a conversation. Another substack writer who is very adept at dialog stories is Jim Cummings at All Day Long.. ( eg https://jimcummings5251.substack.com/p/convenience-store-chronicles-part-75b ) I learn so much from both of you. High Art in words, and completely approachable. Thanks!

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Yeah, sometimes I get these weird ideas from reading what's happening in the world and sometimes I wonder if we don't change course, that which seems far-fetched today might not be so far-fetched next year or the year after. Many thanks for reading and your comment, Sharron. Glad you liked it.

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James Ron's avatar

Good one, Victor!

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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Thank you James. I appreciate your comments very much. I hope 2023 is getting off to a good start for you. All the best.

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Jan 17, 2023
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Victor D. Sandiego's avatar

Thanks Edward, I appreciate you diving in to my dystopian imagination with me, although it does indeed seem like reality is closing in fast on fiction. All the best!

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