Memory Shack

By John Walters

While captive with his mother and sister and a trainload of other passengers traveling towards an ominous destination, a boy enters an interior fantasy that seems every bit as genuine as his present dire circumstances. Which is imagined and which is real? Can he help his family escape their fate by journeying with them into the alternate landscape of his dreams?

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Walters
• Release date: Sep 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223883548

John Walters

John Walters recently returned to the United States after thirty-five years abroad. He lives in Seattle, Washington. He attended the 1973 Clarion West science fiction writing workshop and is a member of Science Fiction Writers of America. He writes mainstream fiction, science fiction and fantasy, and memoirs of his wanderings around the world.

Book preview

Memory Shack

Desiree says that to help me remember what it was like before the move I should build a house in my mind and furnish it with unique objects that have special significance. Each object will have its place and as I go over things one by one I can recollect what their significance is and why I put them there. As I get adept at constructing it, I can add more rooms and even more floors.

I like this idea because I don't want to think about where we are right now. Mother, Desiree, and I have been forced onto a train car that is already too crowded. On either side of the aisle there are rows of benches facing each other with narrow tables between, but the seats are all full and the tables are overflowing with packs, boxes, bags, and small children. The three of us stand together in the aisle, wedged closely together. Desiree and I have our backpacks and Mother clings to a large canvas duffle bag. Even though no one is talking loudly, the many conversations combine to create a noisy and chaotic atmosphere. The air smells of dust, mildew, bad breath, body odor, and dirty diapers. I'm hoping I don't have to go to the bathroom because there is only one and it's at the other end of the car. Two uniformed men with stern expressions and semiautomatic rifles guard the exits.

We have been gathered up in the evacuation effort, so we have been told.

Yes, it's a good time