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The Story:
My tie isn’t straight, despite my efforts in front of the mirror. I give it a wiggle and push it upward, hoping it will land in a place we can compromise on.
The news reporters are droning on and on about the same thing every station is discussing.
“Jace, what do you think?”
“Oh, absolutely, Jenny. I mean, once you give it a try, it’s really not so bad. I walked!”
“You didn’t!”
“I did. First time. And it felt pretty good!”
Sure, if you can walk. But not everyone can. I don’t know why I listen to these government lackeys every morning.
Entering the kitchen, my wife gives me a kiss on the cheek. Her smile is trying to hide the despair she feels, for me and for our future. She hands me a grocery list for me to pick up after work. I have no idea how I’m going to get everything home, but I offered so she wouldn’t have to worry about it.
“Jenny, I think we have some pictures to show right now. Let’s look at those. Oh, wow…”
“Wow! Yes, so I believe this is a fifties gas station. Or is it the sixties? I can’t even tell!”
“Well, things sure have changed a lot since then. Look at how far we’ve come!”
I hug my wife and walk out the garage door. In the garage sits my 2023 Nissan Maxima. It was a delight to commute in it for the last few years, but now, it would just take up space—unusable, unsellable.
To the side of my car is a two-wheeled government-issued commuter bicycle. I check the air in its tires and make certain the chain is tight enough.
I pedal away on the bicycle, and after a few minutes come to Shia’s Bridge, which overlooks the interstate. A sea of people on bicycles are flowing down the right lanes. Police chase a Corvette towards the city that is futilely rebelling against the new law. I tune into the news on my watch.
“…and leave plenty of time. Again, the new law that reserves depleted and limited gasoline for government and emergency services use only is officially in effect today. It is illegal to drive a car for any reason. Don’t forget! And happy pedaling, everyone!”
What do you all think of this story? If you want it to be included in the voting for the next short film, be sure to let me know in the comments below!