Alfonso Rushing

I write what I feel, but not always what I live. My writing has evolved over the past couple of decades. Not certain it’s improved, but it has changed. I hope to find a community to connect with and grow with.

Alfonso Rushing

Whispers in the Shadows

Alfonso Rushing

1 min read

The air in the room turned heavy as an ominous presence slithered through the cracked window, infusing every corner of my home with an unsettling chill. A shiver crawled up my spine, a reflexive response to the unseen specter that had invaded my sanctuary. The once-familiar space now seemed distorted, transformed into an eerie realm where shadows danced with a malevolent glee. The dim light cast flickering shapes on the walls, morphing innocent objects into grotesque forms that seemed to taunt my senses. The silence was suffocating, broken only by the faint rustling of curtains and the soft creaking of floorboards under an invisible weight. As I cautiously moved forward, my heart pounded in my chest, each beat echoing like a war drum. A sense of vulnerability settled in, as if the walls themselves were conspiring against me. Whispers of an unspoken fear tingled at the edges of my consciousness, heightening my unease. Was it a specter from a distant past, seeking solace or retribution? Or perhaps an impending danger lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike? The uncertainty weighed heavily on me, fueling my apprehension. Sweat trickled down my forehead, mingling with the tears of fear that threatened to spill over. Time seemed to warp, stretching each second into an agonizing eternity. I mustered the courage to confront the unknown, step by trepidatious step, my hands trembling in anticipation. Yet, as I reached the epicenter of the enigma, all that remained was the lingering aftermath of an ethereal encounter. The intruder had left its mark, a trail of invisible footprints etched on my soul, forever altering the tranquility that once enveloped my haven.

Horror

Pinocchibot

Alfonso Rushing

1 min read

In the year 3000, the world had changed beyond recognition. The skies were filled with flying cars, robots walked the streets, and humans had advanced beyond what anyone could have imagined. But despite all these advances, some things remained the same. There were still stories of magic and wonder, and one such story was that of Pinocchio. Pinocchio was a robot, unlike any other. He had been built by a master craftsman who imbued him with a special kind of magic. He was not just a machine, but a living being with a heart and soul. Pinocchio had always longed to be human, to feel the warmth of the sun on his skin and the wind in his hair. And so, one day, he set off on a journey to find his place in the world. Along the way, he encountered all sorts of characters, both good and bad. He met a kind-hearted robot who helped him when he was in need, and a group of mischievous cyborgs who led him astray. Despite these challenges, Pinocchio persevered. He proved himself to be brave and selfless, always putting others before himself. And in the end, he was rewarded for his goodness. The master craftsman who had built Pinocchio saw how much he had grown and changed. He knew that Pinocchio was no longer just a robot, but something more. And so, he cast a spell that transformed Pinocchio into a real, flesh-and-blood human. Pinocchio was overjoyed. He finally had everything he had ever wanted. He had a beating heart, the ability to feel and to love, and most of all, he had his freedom. And so, Pinocchio lived out the rest of his days as a human, living life to the fullest and experiencing all the joys and sorrows that come with it. But no matter how much he changed, he never forgot where he came from or the journey that had led him to become who he was.

A Clean Start

Alfonso Rushing

2 min read

Lila had always been a bit of a sentimental person. She cherished the things she owned, no matter how small or insignificant they might seem to others. But when she moved into her first apartment and bought a set of cleaning supplies, she didn't expect to feel any attachment to them. Then she met the toilet brush. At first, it was just another tool in her cleaning kit. She used it dutifully, scrubbing away at the porcelain until it gleamed. But as time went on, she started to notice the little details that made this brush special. The way the bristles were arranged just so, the satisfying weight of the handle in her hand, the faint smell of bleach that lingered after each use. Before long, Lila found herself looking forward to cleaning the toilet, just so she could spend time with the brush. She talked to it as she worked, thanking it for its hard work and telling it about her day. It was silly, she knew, but she couldn't help herself. As the months passed, Lila's attachment to the toilet brush grew stronger. She started to worry about what would happen if it ever wore out or broke. She scoured the internet for a replacement, but nothing seemed to match the brush's unique shape and texture. Then one day, disaster struck. Lila was cleaning the bathroom when she accidentally knocked the brush into the toilet. She fished it out as quickly as she could, but it was too late. The bristles were bent and matted, and the handle was soaked through. Lila was heartbroken. She held the brush in her hands, tears streaming down her face. It was just a toilet brush, she knew, but it was her toilet brush. It had been there for her during some of the toughest moments of her life, and now it was gone. But then she had an idea. She carefully cleaned and dried the brush, then placed it in a shadow box. She hung it on the wall of her bathroom, where it would always be within sight. It might not be able to clean the toilet anymore, but it would always remind her of the joy and comfort it had brought her. And that was worth more than any clean bathroom could ever be.

Grey Grows

Alfonso Rushing

1 min read

Grey, the color of ambiguity, A hue that holds a duality, Neither black nor white, but in between, A color that's rarely ever seen. Grey, the shade of stormy skies, A color that makes us realize, The power of nature, wild and free, A force that we can barely see. Grey, the color of concrete walls, A symbol of our urban sprawls, A lifeless hue, devoid of joy, That we all too often deploy. Grey, the tone of solemn thought, A color that can make us wrought, With feelings that are hard to name, But are a part of life's great game. Grey, the hue of wisdom's age, A color that can calm our rage, And bring us peace, serenity, A state of mind we all can see. So let us not dismiss this hue, This color that is often viewed, As dull or boring, plain or sad, For grey can also make us glad.

Asleep Under White

Alfonso Rushing

1 min read

The truth never lies Truth can despise or exercise The truth can bring freedom The reason can be found What goes around? Proof? What is truth? I was 8 years old when the world broke There I was feeling it slip away but Begging it to stay the same Even though…the same meant I got to play ‘don’t wake daddy’ And - no - not the board game Although there was a sizable board involved It hurt but it was the only life I knew So when it was over I wasn’t relieved To be a branch from the family tree Severed and ‘set free’ I was me And tree can’t grow without soil And the soil can’t hold on without roots So I’m just me and that’s the truth I was 11 years old when the world disappeared Her priorities pushed me away But I wanted to stay even it was to hold her hand as she reached for the closest man But that wouldn’t stand because I was me And the me I was was a weight Left to the cruel hand of fate but wait What happens when you’re alone? No phone, no stone to roll just you And I remember waiting in the car For hours wondering where you are I took a nap because the sun said good night But you were still out of sight and then the light The light of day mixed with the flashing lights I gathered all my might and ran to see And there you were asleep under white

Whispers on the Wind

Alfonso Rushing

1 min read

Somewhere strange as a stranger Glances come and glances go No sparks yet; impatience makes her Second guess the absence - no! Waiting will be worthwhile remember? The real reward requires watching Without wasting wisdom or reason “Resist” replays as a relentless word The sweat running down her back The strength felt in the consensual attack Resist replaced by wondrous release And only now does she feels truly free Her head high; the rest of her satisfied But the looks & chatter make clear why Even as a stranger she tried to resist again Society haunts her with whispers on the wind

Poetry

Romance

The Prince

Alfonso Rushing

1 min read

Thomas sits in a room wearing a dirty gown. Waiting. Watching. Wishing. Wishing he’d never been born. Wishing he’d just said “No” the first time. Watching the door. Waiting for him to return. The life Thomas has led has been short relative to the average, but the amount of “bad” choices would outshine any 80 year old. All of those choices have led to this point. Sitting in a room. Waiting. Watching. Wishing. The door opens. Thomas takes a deep breath and closes his eyes. The man walks slowly, “Prince Albert?” “Apparently that’s why I’m here,” Thomas responds. Moments later Thomas screams as pain so intense radiates from his essence. The screaming stops. Thomas wakes up alone with only a bag of ice. And his new Prince.

Opening Chapter

Alfonso Rushing

2 min read

The setting is San Diego County in 2068 - a smaller town in the northern part of the county. The world in 2068 is one of predictive technology and quantified automation. Everything is tracked. Everything is controlled. Everything is predictable. Nothing is exciting. Nothing is free. Nothing dies. Free radicals are readily replaced and aging is distant memory. Humans and pets can live however long they desire given they aren’t killed through accident, violence, or environmental forces. Nature is the only unpredictable aspect of daily life. Earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, and any other natural disasters happen in random ways. In many ways, they serve an important role in bringing in new humans. Free Breeding is illegal, forbidden, and enforced through mandatory, but reversible sterilization. Most importantly for this opening chapter is The Alignment, the process through which all known data is analyzed and living humans are sorted into like-minded, similarly-behaving communities. In this first chapter, our protagonist Mary finds out she has been aligned to a new community. No one understands, but she does. Mary Casper is our main protagonist. She has always been aligned to northern San Diego Sector as a rambler. She is judged by others to be one of the kindest people in the world - which is an accomplishment in 2068 because everyone is kind due to the non-existence of suffering. Nevertheless, Mary harbors a secret, and it’s one that would put her into misalignment with the San Diego Sector. Mary has a profound distrust of other humans. It started slowly as she noticed strange occurrences deemed coincidental, but her mind is particularly good at connecting dots and seeing patterns. This ability combined with an exceptional memory meant that she was unintentionally analyzing data until something clicks and she sees an unmistakable pattern. This ability surfaced patterns that has made her question this supposed perfect world created by The Benefactors. The cracks her mind uncovers has led to this profound mistrust. Additionally in the first chapter we will meet Mary’s neighbor and traveling companion - Day Knight. Day is a loyal, but somewhat reckless companion. She is often rushing into situations without thinking because she feels safe in the her world. Mary used to feel this way also - everyone in the San Diego Sector feels that way. Day, in particular, is one of the earliest early adopters of any new technologies or ordinances released by The Benefactors. The last major character we meet in the first chapter is a young member of The Benefactors’ Alignment Team. His name is Yosem Osman. Yosem arrives in the San Diego Sector to facilitate the new Alignments. Yosem is also breaking the mold he was meant to fit. Although all data from his life screams Benefactor, he has recently felt something he can quite label of understand - discontentment. The chapter will start with the action. Mary has been aligned to a stable, monitored sector. These sectors provide everything needed to enjoy life and avoid suffering, but the residents are co fined to the borders of their given sector. Mary fights, but she is eventually captured, sedated, and transferred to her new home. What she doesn’t know is that this will be the catalyst that propels her into true hero status.

A Day in the Life

Alfonso Rushing

3 min read

Mary has always been a Neo-Liberal, Consequentialist Rambler. Her parents are Neo-Liberal, Philagnostic Ramblers, and her grandparents on both sides are Neo-Liberal, Escapist Survivors. As a Neo-Liberal Mary believes it is the responsibility of the strong to protect and care for the weak - no matter the cause of their weakness. As a Consequentialist Mary is guided by the idea that what is “right” or “good” is whatever action will lead to the most good or at least minimize the suffering as much as possible. This combination is not uncommon, and for the most part the pairing is copacetic, but the grey area comes when protecting the weak diminishes the good or increase suffering for an outsized number of people. Nevertheless, NLCs are the most compassionate, caring people you will find in 2068. As a Rambler Mary longs for new experiences in new places. This drive means she is often not in her hometown. These qualities are essential to who Mary is and knowing them increases understanding of her daily life. Typically, Mary wakes up in a Vacation Pod. These are private rooms of great comfort oriented toward the isolated section of a curated destination. The section is isolated to minimize socialization between Assignments. Mary opens her eyes in her latest Vacation Pod. This one is located in a tropical location, which is her second favorite climate next to deep wood. She takes four deep breaths directing each one into a different extremity. With one more massive inhale as she rises from the bed. She walks out to the balcony of the geometric Pod and mindfully follows her daily yoga routine. As she finishes in child’s pose, she hears the faint sound of rotating propellers. She rises with her eyes closed and her hands together, outstretched in front of her chest. The delivery drone gently releases a paper package into her open hands. “This better be good…and tropical!” She said with layers of sarcasm. It was always good and always local. Mary stats on the balcony watching the waves ebbing and flowing as she enjoys her breakfast. Before she can finish eating her mind drifts to its familiar atypical state. The questions swirl in her mind and, as usual, she has no real answers for herself. <i>How did we arrive at The Assignment? Is there more to life than helping others and traveling? Why do we exist? Why do we know we exist? What is the point? Is Free Will important? Who knows the answers? Am I the only one who doesn’t know them?<\i> Mary takes her last bite and begins her yoga routine again in hopes of clearing her mind. The only thought she can’t release is her greatest fear: <i> What if they find out? What if they already know? <\i> Mary knows she she needs a stronger distraction, “Goosirexa, blast my top 10.” Goosirexa speaks, “What would you like me to blast, Kasper?” “The beach in front of me. 1 hour.” “Blast has been sent. Would you like to be kept in the loop?” “Yes.” “Great. Oh! Meredith has just confirmed her presence.” “Sweet. Start the shower in wake up.” “Your Wake Up Shower is waiting for you. Your beach outfit will be waiting on the bed when you return.” “High five!” Goosirexa enters the room with her robot arm up ready to engage in a high five with Mary. While in the shower Goosirexa informs her that Bobbie, Jasmine, and Scarlet confirmed their presence while Suzanne, Dalia, Hemingway, Salmon, and Aire denied attendance. This only leaves Sandstone, which is not surprising. Even if she does respond, it’s no guarantee her presence or denial. Mary spends most of the day on the beach with her friends. They talk about travels past and future. The upcoming Assignment was discussed briefly and dismissed because people don’t change after a certain age. It’s more of a formality after 25 years old. The girls engaged everyone who wandered by on the beach. They had some interesting conversations about why and how they could help those less fortunate than them. Of course, no one really suffers in 2068, but the choices some make are not conducive with “the good life” according to NLCs.m The Delivery Drones visits the beach as needed and everyone stays hydrated and nourished perfectly. The sun sets and Mary retires to her pod. She will be in this location for 2 weeks before having to travel to her hometown for this year’s Alignment.

Science fiction

Action & adventure

The Alignment (page 1)

Alfonso Rushing

1 min read

The sun shines on Mary Casper the same way it does every morning she sleeps at her own house. Mary is lying in her bed basking in the warmth of the San Diego sunshine, but today is not everyday. Today is the annual Lockdown. Mary is a traveler and only finds herself at home when she needs to recharge her own batteries or when it’s mandated by The Alignment. The annual Lockdown is one of the mandated times. Everyone is required to be in their assigned city for 14 days as The Alignment analyses the data from the previous year. The output of this analysis is the new Distribution. Most years everyone over the age of 25 stays in their assigned city. It would be quite strange and alarming to find drastic changes in the beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors of adults who are more than a quarter-century old. Traditions dominate the Lockdown and Mary always looks forward to the 14 days in her hometown. She rotates in her bed so her legs swing out to the left and bend to find the floor. She rises into Tree Pose - a yoga position. Mary then completes a series of poses moving slowly toward the center of her bay window. Her foot plants solidly to the right of center, arms outstretched she leans back and turns her head toward the window through which she can see the ocean crashing onto the sand below. She finishes her yoga routine ending in child pose. After a final breath in, hold, out she stands and opens the window just in time for the Alignement Drone to float in with her morning meal. “This better be my favorite hometown meal or I will protest…formally,” Mary says playfully to the AD. Of course it was her favorite because the System doesn’t make mistakes. The System knows people better than they know themselves. The System knows what a person needs before and better than the person knows it. The System creates the reality in which the worldwide citizens live. The System makes life feel magical. The System is not to be challenged.

Science fiction

Action & adventure