Friday, April 15, 2016

M=Memories


The idea of memories making us who we are has been featured a lot in science fiction.  The film Dark City features characters who have new memories implanted night after night, and their alien overlords watch them to see how they behave.  Memories are occasionally blocked by trauma or by mysterious agents that want to keep crucial information contained.

Memories are powerful.  We learn from past experiences.  We’re informed by them in the decisions we make.  When memories are altered or blocked, what kind of impact does it have on who we are?  Can you ever truly control someone by controlling their memories?

My short story “Felix Was Here” deals a lot with memories. Resurfacing memories are the catalyst for all that happens.  And, as it turns out, she’s not the only person who’s struggled with this.

The following excerpt from the story finds Betty speaking to someone who understands her plight.

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Image courtesy of endiku at morguefile.com.


“What happened that night?” Betty persisted.
Simon sighed. “It was bad. The man didn’t just have an episode. He broke down entirely. No matter how much Verity and I tried to talk him down, it seemed as though he didn’t hear us. He kept talking over us both. He went on and on about his brother Tommy, even though there’s no evidence he ever had a brother at all. He kept saying ‘They sent him to war! They sent him to die in a war we’re not supposed to know about! They used tricks and drugs to make me forget. To make us all forget.’ It sounded ludicrous at the time.”
She drew in a sharp breath. “At the time?”

*     *     *
Don’t forget!


Every comment gives you a chance to win one of ten copies of Parallels: Felix Was Here!

10 comments:

  1. Great image with that statue there. I'm reading What Alice Forgot about a woman who bangs her head one day and forgets the last ten years of her life. She doesn't remember her three kids or why she's getting a divorce or anything. Memories are important!

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    1. That would be a tough situation. Memories are definitely crucial.

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  2. Without memories...what do we really have in life...?

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    1. You make an excellent point. An essential part of what makes a person who they are would be lost.

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  3. Oooh, interesting statue. That's definitely a photo prompt!

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  4. I still remember the impact Felix Was Here had on me as I read. Very compelling story. Very unique.

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  5. Amazing how memories can sneak up on you and change your life when you finally figure out the truth. Been there, it's a journey I don't recommend to anyone. Great story, the way you handled her discovery was spot on!

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    1. Thank you! Memories truly are powerful things that can rock your entire world.

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Your comments are most appreciated!