Day 16: Fond Memories #30DaysofGratitude AND #ShortStory - Dave Episode 17

First, Happy Veterans Day. Thank you to Veterans and their families for ultimate service and sacrifice.

And today, I'm thankful for my memories - good times when I was young, crazy travels, family gatherings & vacations, my little guys... And I look forward to creating more wonderful memories. We have to look forward, but it's also comforting to look back. Our fond memories tell us that we will always have happy times to cherish.

Me and Peppy

20-Something Travels

Disney Trips!

My boys - hopeful futures!

Nostalgia, tears, joy, hope. Thankful for the good times that help me get through the bad.

Join in keeping the faith and share your positive thankful memories!

Stop by others participating... Elizabeth Seckman, Charity Bradford & Diane Burton

And now, the final episode of...

       

Dave didn't know he was lonely until his friends pointed it out. But when he gives in and tries an online dating site, something catastrophic happens - talk about a bad omen.

(Previous episodes)

The Day Dave Broke the Internet

by Tara Tyler

RECAP 16:

Aunt Jessie huffed. "It all sounds far-fetched to me. Who would want to live in a stinky, dirty city to begin with?" said the woman who was covered in dirt from planting seeds in the earth and shoveling animal refuse. "If any of 'em wanted to work my farm, I'd welcome the help. But they'd have to put their backs into it."

Again, the sage woman sparked an idea for Dave.

17

"That's it! Volunteers need to leave the cities and work on farms. Society has to start over and get back to their roots without electronics for a while to survive. They could build homes near fresh water. Then there'd be more sustenance and less people to worry about in the urban areas. A massive migration. Those who elected to stay could help work on building up electricity on a smaller scale. Transform cities into useful trade centers or something. But everyone would have to work together. Maybe the military could help organize everyone. Civilians should still have the freedom to choose, but only those who contribute should benefit."

Nathan scrunched his brow again. "Sounds like a utopian fantasy. Most people have zero agricultural experience, working desk jobs all their lives." He spoke from experience, and Dave could tell he also lacked motivation to learn. That would be their biggest obstacle.

"Well, my friend. Welcome to the New Age. Survival of the Most Diligent. Everyone will have to work hard and figure out what they're made of."

Kitty sat forward in her chair and stuck out her chin. "So how do we tell everyone about your plan, Dave?"

She seemed willing to take on the challenge. Maybe they could appeal to the rest of stubborn America the same way, daring them to survive. And she was right, communication would be key.

"Well, I don't know. Not many people have anything that works to hear the announcements the authorities are trying to put out. Bullhorns work, but there are too many places to reach, and we'd need tons of volunteers to travel around. Maybe we should go to a military base and present our ideas to them. They seem to be the ones who can communicate with each other and could spread the word to the downed areas. I wonder if anything is working for them." And would they even listen? If the outages were an attack, they were probably getting ready for the next phase of a battle. And they probably had their own ideas and strategies. Dave wasn't sure about it all, but he was determined to try.

Sharon smiled, boosting his confidence. "Good idea. The military is surely in contact with the leaders who can make the changes happen. Fort Knox is only a few miles from here. There should be lots of bases up and running, out of range of the shutdowns."

She grabbed Dave's hand and squeezed it, giving him a surge of warmth. She supported him. She had faith in him. At that moment, the world could take a flying leap for all he cared as he stared into Sharon's hypnotic eyes. He would do anything for this woman.

Aunt Jessie stood up, and so did the dog, both ready for action. "You youngin's want something to eat before you go running off?" Or maybe it was his dinner time.

Nathan nudged Dave out of his trance.

"Sure."

With a smirk, Nathan expanded on Dave's response. "Thank you. I think we could use some nourishment before we try to explain the New Age plan to our doubtful leaders. And maybe we can come up with a few more persuasive numbers and details. Aunt Jessie, do you have Wi-Fi? If your electricity is working, maybe I can find out more info, like who has what capabilities."

"I haven't tried it today, but you're welcome to give it a go. Let's fire it up."

They followed Aunt Jessie into the kitchen. With Sharon by his side, Dave felt ten times stronger than he'd ever felt in his life. He was ready to plow fields, face unruly crowds, confront powerful leaders, or tackle any other obstacles that might arise.

Dave was ready to save the world.

The End (for now... To Be Continued?? Maybe this summer)

(Sorry, Patty, no zombies. I'm more of a Mad Max post-apocalyptic world gal)