Wonderful story Hanna. You did so much world building and created these great characters in such a short space. I feel like you could make this a novel.
You know, I've floated an idea of something more but with the amount on my plate, who knows? I definitely want to explore this world further, so I'm never saying never. Thank you for reading.
The concept of imagination and creativity being labeled as inefficient, dangerous ideas that need to be erased—I seriously can't imagine a worse nightmare or bleaker existence. Great story, Hanna. Thanks for the happy ending - I was so glad the family was reunited in the end, and I hope Ivo and his pals give those Department of Family goons endless amounts of trouble. Vive la résistance!
Hopefully they can give it a good go now that every interaction is controlled. Thanks, Shane. It's so bleak, and I took a leaf from the Futuro bible of fiction and used current affairs as my basis.
Love this dystopian piece! Great characters, and the blackbird is such a great image at the heart of the story. “Why does the blackbird sing his heart out every morning?”
This made me teary-eyed. It reminded me so much of our world; how they are slowly forcing us into a state of non-creation. Of conformity and sloppy surroundings. Stories like these remind me of the true meaning of being human. I loved it!
Oh, their controlled life is so awful! Not a life at all. And I’m so proud of Gemma for giving a bid for freedom a chance. This story is absolute gold!
Well now I want to get a blackbird tattoo. Nice one!
I think it would be quite good! Hopefully I can start a trend 😄
Wonderful story Hanna. You did so much world building and created these great characters in such a short space. I feel like you could make this a novel.
Thank you, EJ. You don't know how much I was tempted to do horror this time but no... Maybe next time 😅 Glad you enjoyed it.
Great job with this one Hanna. The future and what it might be, and what it might hold, can be as terrifying as any monster. Well done. - Jim
Thank you. I dread to think but I hope 'efficiency' doesn't play into it.
This made me sad, then scared, then happy. Very well written.
Thank you, Mike. I appreciate your words.
Oh my god, this was so beautiful. I loved the ending. I was so scared for them, but that ending was simply wonderful.
Thank you Judith. Especially after the pre-TMVII wobble, I appreciate this. I almost didn't enter 😆 I just couldn't get that first draft to behave.
Love this 💪 Gattaca/Equilibrium vibes, both of which I love. Efficiency does not equal happiness 💗
I've never seen either of these things. I should work on that. Thank you for beta reading. I really appreciate you.
Oh they’re both excellent movies 😍 I think you’d dig them. Also you’re welcome, right back at you 💗💗
Nice one. Very depressing world. Is there more?
You know, I've floated an idea of something more but with the amount on my plate, who knows? I definitely want to explore this world further, so I'm never saying never. Thank you for reading.
Oh wow! True horror. Like the best of the Twilight Zone, this shook me to the core. Brilliant, Hanna!
The concept of imagination and creativity being labeled as inefficient, dangerous ideas that need to be erased—I seriously can't imagine a worse nightmare or bleaker existence. Great story, Hanna. Thanks for the happy ending - I was so glad the family was reunited in the end, and I hope Ivo and his pals give those Department of Family goons endless amounts of trouble. Vive la résistance!
Hopefully they can give it a good go now that every interaction is controlled. Thanks, Shane. It's so bleak, and I took a leaf from the Futuro bible of fiction and used current affairs as my basis.
Great story.
Thank you, Tamara. 🤗
Love this dystopian piece! Great characters, and the blackbird is such a great image at the heart of the story. “Why does the blackbird sing his heart out every morning?”
Thank you so much for stopping by, Angela. Glad you enjoyed the story!
Eerily timely. Great premise!
Thank you, Nissa ❤️
This was truly chilling, Hanna!
Thank you. I find dystopia really disturbing (more than horror tbh) but there is always hope.
This made me teary-eyed. It reminded me so much of our world; how they are slowly forcing us into a state of non-creation. Of conformity and sloppy surroundings. Stories like these remind me of the true meaning of being human. I loved it!
Thank you so much. That is exactly what I wanted to capture. It's so important that we don't lose ourselves.
As everyone else has said, this is an excellent slow burn tale of an all too possible (and horrible) future. Well done!
Thank you. I appreciate it.
Oh, their controlled life is so awful! Not a life at all. And I’m so proud of Gemma for giving a bid for freedom a chance. This story is absolute gold!
Thanks Liz. I'm hoping to get over to yours ASAP ❤️ can't wait!