SFS Contest Round 2 - After the Fall
Following my 1st round win, the second round of the SFS Contest called for a 1,000-word sci-fi containing the action/emotion “shatter” and the word thread. My submission was After the Fall.
A widower late in years, Euler Hermes of Waukesha never expected to find companionship. But Euler's quiet life takes a surprising turn after a routine dental visit resulting in a high-tech, Wi-Fi-enabled implant named Chip.
At first, Chip is a helpful assistant—tracking his health, playing music, offering chess advice, and identifying the provenance of the meat on his dinner plate. Yet, over time, its constant reminders and judgments wear on him. But fate has a way of filling voids in unexpected ways.
After the Fall is a bittersweet tale of technology, aging, and the need for connection. I originally wrote a 500-word version of this story for an NYC Midnight competition last year. I adored this story and relished the chance to rework it into something with more depth.
Technology can bridge isolation, offering companionship and connection to those who might otherwise feel alone. For people like Euler, smart devices, AI assistants, and online communities promise to provide daily interactions, reminders of shared experiences, and even meaningful conversations. Voice assistants can play music, recall memories, or encourage healthier habits, while social media and video calls reconnect individuals with distant friends and family. Even wearable tech and smart implants can offer a sense of presence, filling silent spaces with guidance and support. In an increasingly digital world, technology doesn't just inform — it comforts, engages, and helps ease loneliness.
And that’s what this story is about: an elderly man and his smart tooth. I hope this retro-future, sardonic story will contrast nicely against the whiz-bang-alien-invasion-cosmic-stakes sci-fi stories that other contestants might likely write for the competition; I hope to stand out through heartwarming subtlety.
Then again, I could totally get my butt whipped by a cool alien suspense story. Who knows?! That’s why we play!
Fingers crossed!
2025.03.28
Great news, everyone!
The story landed second in the final round of the contest! The feedback was great:
GBW: Yes Good use of title … Great set up and character intro, and a potential whiff of trouble (a WiFi tooth? Now what could go wrong with that) hooks the reader. Nice touches of humour (suspiciously more refined than its neighbours...occasional gnaw on a pencil) flawlessly add to the character description. Good management of time passing/ transitions. "He hadn’t remembered. Not right away...Euler leaned back in his comfy chair, eyes closed, letting the music fill the tiny space that felt too big without her." So moving. Great character building, strong structure and pace building to the end. The ending makes perfect sense and adds to the emotional payoff.
Thank you so much, SFS! I look forward to participating in the next competition!
R
