One Sad Universe

By David B. Roach

Imagine waking up in an alternate universe. Unbeknownst to Neal, he has been transported to a parallel world that looks the same as his home on Earth. Despite the familiarity of his surroundings, Neal can't shake the feeling that he is missing something. Same world, same people but something feels off. As hi

• Language: English
• Publisher: Palmetto Publishing
• Release date: Jun 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9798885903400

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

N

eal Goodson wakes with a start and guesses the time. It is 3:00 a.m., only five minutes off. Just as he tries to think straight, the Vidphone rings. Neal hits it to be on voice only. He wonders again, How do they have these here and not in my old hometown? They are only five hundred miles apart.

Hey, Neal, Bob here. What are you doing? Got important details to tell you.

Neal thinks, Just like years ago, he can be obnoxious. Making out with a Playboy Bunny. What do you think I’m doing?

Sorry. Oh, I get it. Playboy Bunny—that's ancient, and a good one. Like I told you, it looks like the proposal will be turned down.

Neal thinks, So where are the details? Where is his sense of humor? That's OK, Bob. I figured that's what you meant. So do you guess we will have work?

Bob sighs, I don’t guess. They are not hiring. Go get some sleep. Bye. He hangs up. Neal goes back to bed, but his mind is in overdrive.

Neal thinks, He's not Mr. Communication. Bob had told me many hours ago by a thumbs down sign as he walked past. But at least he called now. Bob has been here for a long time, and it has been years since we talked. Events are getting even stranger. Another call! When do people ever sleep here? Then, he notices that it is several hours later.

It is Amy, and with the phone pic on, Neal answers, Hi, love. Glad you called. We need to talk.

Amy says, awkwardly, Hmm, uh, hi, Neal. Yes, we really do need to talk. Where do you want to meet this morning?

Neal says, I thought you would say that—this is really important. Our time is short. You are close; could you come over here? You are, what, only ten minutes away—I think.

Amy says, OK, I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes. I have directions to your street. Bye.

Fifteen minutes later, Amy's at the door. Neal thinks, I like punctual. With a smile, he opens the door. Hi again, love.

Amy, with a sour look, settles on the small couch and says, Let's talk. You go first.

Neal realizes this is her first time there, but she ignores his place. He wonders, What is up? What is on her mind?

He starts, We work at the same place but rarely see each other at that jack-of-all-trades logistics place. Let's stay on topic. We’ve been out, what, several times now? He thinks, She is nothing but cold, and even shaking her head a little. Man, this is bad.

Amy says, OK, quickly. This is not goodbye, like I don’t want to see you anymore, or anything like that. Another pause. I can’t believe this happened to you. So, look, you’re greeting me with ‘love’…we never talked about us. We are not dating. I am not interested in finding a boyfriend—you or anyone.

Neal says quickly, I get it. No problem. Thanks for telling me. I’d like to ask, Do I come on too strong?

With a small laugh, Amy replies, Oh, no, not at all. So many guys have tried to score with me. In fact, you are nice and different. Anything else?

Shaking his head, he says, No.

Hey, why are you turning on the TV? Amy asks.

Now pacing, Neal says, "I just remembered a new