“World Enough,” by Suzanne Stryk, 2006. Acrylic on handmade book, map, leaf.

“It’s time to go.”

“Yeah, I know Father, I heard the bell.”

“Did you enjoy it?”

“Wasn’t really what I thought it was gonna taste like.  I’ve never really liked seafood. It was OK, I guess.”

“You chose Luke 6:37, any reason for that particular verse?”

“My Mother would read that one to us on Christmas Day. We got that instead of presents. I guess it was supposed to make us feel guilty for being pissed that we didn’t get shit on Christmas. It’s just kinda stuck with me since then.”

“She did her best.”

“Yeah, she did something alright. Only three of us six left. She definitely did something.”

“Well, we all choose our own paths in life Jeremiah.”

“You didn’t have my life Father. You couldn’t imagine the things I’ve seen.”

“Good Evening Father.”

“Hello Warden.”

“This way please Jeremiah.”

“Did my wife and kids show up?”

“Sorry, we did try to contact them, but no, they’re not here.”

“That’s alright. I don’t want my kids to see me like this anyways. This shouldn’t be the last image that they have of their dad.”

“It’s midnight, Jeremiah, time to start.”

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be–“

“Hey Father?”

“Yes Jeremiah?”

“Don’t worry about it. You don’t need to read anymore. I never really believed it anyways. Father?”

“Yes?”

“You really think there’s something else out there?”

“I do my son.”

“Well how about for someone like me? Never mind, I guess I already know the answer.”

“Do you have any last words Jeremiah Wesson Hill?”

“None that matter anymore.”

“Begin initial injection.”

“Bless you my son…”

“Funny thing Father, at a time like this, the only thing I can think about is that I finally had sushi.”

“That’s good, my son. That’s real good.”

 

 

Jacob Fons is a short story author and novelist. He has work appearing or forthcoming in over a dozen publications including Enhance, Epiphany, and 1000 Words. He is currently writing a book of short stories entitled, Stories from 32nd Street that will be published in late 2014. Jacob has been writing stories his entire life but just recently began submitting his work for publication. There’s one thing that he promises; his writing will always be honest, and heartfelt. It may not always be pretty, but it will be real, and full of emotion.

Read an interview with Jacob here.