The Aluminum Puppy
In a dystopian society
“Good morning. What would you like for breakfast today?”
- Banana pancakes
- Chia pudding
- Blueberry baked oatmeal
Zen stared blankly at the screen and tapped at whatever his finger landed on. It didn’t matter which one he picked — they all tasted the same anyway.
“Thank you for your selection. Your delicious breakfast will be ready in 15 seconds.”
Fifteen seconds was a long time. He grabbed his phone and checked his social media. There was nothing new, just the same reruns. He looked through the window and noticed the sun was not up.
The Mealmaker sounded a ding. “Breakfast is served. Enjoy your blueberry baked oatmeal.”
Zen inspected the steaming bowl. Two perfectly round blueberries glared back at him. “I changed my mind,” he said. “Can I have some bacon instead?”
“Bacon. A slice of processed meat from pigs. Pigs caused the contagion in 2032. All pigs were destroyed in 2033.”
Zen covered his ears as the Mealmaker repeated the definition. I know, I know.
He took a spoonful of oatmeal and swallowed it. Another spoonful, avoiding a blueberry. He couldn’t eat it anymore. He felt like throwing up…
