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The Story:
Sliding past people through the narrow dirt roads is just part of life. I can remember when I was little having to sit in an endless sea of cars to get anywhere. Now, it’s just people struggling to survive in a world with a population that is spiraling out of control.
I am one of the lucky ones who was able to get a job in the factory, making just enough to feed my family. Walking 8 miles every day to get home after a 10 hour shift is taking its toll on me, but I can’t let my family starve. I won’t.
Amongst the bustle ahead of me, I spot a picture on the ground being kicked about. Hopefully, no one gets too angry as I shove my way to the right side of the walkers. I reach down to snatch it just in time and keep walking.
The picture is old—or black and white, at least. I know what it’s a picture of. Now, I can’t get home fast enough. I start shoving my way through the crowd.
When I reach our shack, I hang my work jacket just inside the door.
“Hey, baby,” I say to my wife.
She smiles at me but is cut off by our daughter, Valley.
“Daddy!”
“Oh, my sweet girl! How are you?”
“Fine, Daddy.”
She gives me a huge hug.
“Boys, did you help your mother today?”
“Yes, Dad.”
Both of my sons give me a hug. Then, my wife kisses me. Valley giggles.
“I have something very special to show you, kids.”
I take the picture and hold it up in front of them so they can all see it.
“Do you know what it is?”
“Well, that’s a mountain,” one of my sons said as he pointed to it.
“Yep. And?”
They all study the picture but can’t offer a suggestion. I chuckle a bit but exchange a look with my wife that holds an underlying pain we both feel—a longing for what our children will likely never see.
“It’s a field. It’s a large field. See? No people or shacks. Just a giant, wide open space.”
I hand my oldest son the picture, and they all look at me.
“If you three work together, I believe you could see this someday. It won’t be easy. But help each other. Bring back the open spaces.”
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 next page!