Earth That Was

Writing prompt for @mctiller’s 24 Hour Writing Contest:

A child grows up amidst “lost technology” with their grandparent’s stories about “Earth that was.”

Link to original post:
https://steemit.com/twentyfourhourshortstory/@mctiller/writers-win-5-steem-twenty-four-hour-short-story-contest-for-june-20-a-child-grows-up-amidst-lost-technology-with-their

My Entry:

“They used to call people like us black.” Said Grandpa with a twinkle in his eyes like starlight before inhaling ganja smoke. It filled the air with sweet aroma.

They’d paused near some deer droppings on 5th Avenue in what used to be New York City. Grass grew through cracks. They were tracking deer so the family could eat.

“Wish we could drive these cars still now they're like dinosaur bones.” Grandpa said on the exhale.

The child had heard it all before. Next he would say something about iPhones and how they’re only good for cracking open walnuts. Before Grandpa could continue on that route the child asked about The Great Apathy.

“The Great Apathy huh? Well that's something. That's how we ended up like this. People used to care about everything. God, money, the clothes they wore, used to go around worrying about everything. Then one day no one gave a shit.”

“Why Grandpa?”

“Don’t really know. Guess it had something to do with white people. It's like they all just wanted to die or something. Started committing suicide and did their best to destroy everything they could as they went down.”

“Cause of racism?”

“Must of been. People like us were on the rise. We had the first black President. Black people were doing all kinds of stuff. Only they took them down too. Got to where no one except people like me were hanging around. I used to be a cashier at a mini market right over there.”

Grandpa pointed to an abandoned building with broken glass windows where some pigeons perched.

“We kept things going for a while, only we had to scavenge for food and supplies. Good thing as we got a nice setup now. Only cars need gas from the Middle East. Power plants take some knowledge to keep going. Same with cell phone networks. Just a cashier. Grandma had a nice office job. Doesn't mean she can reactivate the internet.”

“Damn. The Great Apathy.” Said the child.

And the two began to walk again looking for the deer in downtown New York City.

Thanks,
Cyrus Emerson

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