A versatile collection of short stories that will make you think.
Into the Light is a versatile collection of nine short stories. The book is divided into three segments: science fiction, human interest and comedy. These enigmatic tales examine the relationship between technology, society and humanity.
From a website that can undo your mistakes to a mysterious survivor of a mental illness, the science fiction segment offers a meeting ground between imagination and humanity.
The human interest stories re-discover basic human emotions through the eyes of complex characters such as an ageing journalist who befriends a ghost, a woman who discovers the joy of giving and two ex lovers who meet after ten years.
The comedy section offers a comedic perspective of society through the stories of a young heir desperate to lose his fortune, a couple on the verge of divorce and a time travelling detective.
Into the Light is a delicious buffet of stories with a twist.
Excerpt
Chapter 1
VERONICA
The white marble floor vibrated with footsteps. The door opened, revealing a column of light. It illuminated a small wooden bed, a leaking sink, a wrought iron chair and the warm wooden floor. Shadow looked at the room. It belonged in the history museum. His eyes fell on the dark figure near the window.
Her hair was raven black, her form fragile, and her lips chapped. They curved into a smile that never faded.
“Welcome.” her lips parted.
Veronica did not blink. She sat by the window. Her eyes remained on the sunset. She couldn’t see the dark clouds that shadowed the sun, she couldn’t see the air filled with dread and fear, she couldn’t see the gloom cast over the city, and she couldn’t see how many people died every day. She smiled because she was blind.
Her form shifted. She turned to face Shadow. It made him feel welcome. He glanced at the room again. He was in the year 2500 not 1800.
“Veronica?” a deep voice struck her core.
“Is it the scientist?” she asked with childlike innocence.
“Yes. I’m Shadow.” his deep voice replied.
“Close the door,” she whispered.
Shadow moved to the door and closed it. The door was white. Shadow smiled to himself. He faced Veronica without any expression.
Veronica stood up, casting her shadow over the scientist. She touched the surface of the table for support and moved to her bed which lay by the window.
“Do you need help?” he asked.
“I’m fine, thank you,” Veronica replied with a smile.
The scientist sat on the chair and looked at her face. It had a warm glow. She looked like she was basking in bright sunshine, not under the fading light of a sinking sun.
“What brings you here?” Veronica asked, her sudden question startling Shadow.
“I heard you were infected by the P-1 virus last month,” he said. Veronica nodded.
“As you know, the P-1 had been wiping the city. I need your help to find a cure.”
“How may I help?” Veronica asked. “Without leaving this room.”
A silent moment passed.
“I heard you recovered. Nobody recovers from the P-1.”
Veronica looked at Shadow with a vacant expression covering her face.
“You want to know how I recovered?” Veronica asked.
“Yes,” Shadow replied. “That’s why I’m here.”
Veronica turned to face the door and smiled. The enigmatic smile embedded itself in Shadow’s memory.
“I have a genetic mutation,” Veronica said, calmly.
“A genetic mutation...” Shadow repeated the words deliberately.
“They said I have a genetic mutation. That’s why I can’t see. It protected me from the P-1.”
“Who said that?”
“The scientists,” she said. “I am different. They couldn’t do anything.”
“Everyone in our world has a perfect DNA.” the scientist retorted, surprised by her revelation.
“I don’t believe in perfection,” Veronica replied. “Perfection doesn’t guarantee freedom.”
“Freedom from what?”
She turned. The question was lost.
“Mental illnesses.” she said after a long pause.
“This is the first time I’ve heard of one,” Shadow said.
“Strange, isn’t it?” Veronica asked.
“What do you know?” Shadow bent over.
Professional Reviews
Into the Light
I enjoyed this collection of stories. I think this was a well written book. I think the author wanted me to think on some of these stories. If you like a good short story book, you should give this one a try. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
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