The Lost Art Of Humanity

A repost of one of my favorite stories I wrote

  

         I stood in a never-ending line of dying humanity.  All I could do was watch all the people walking around in their own little worlds not giving a care to all the troubles around them.  This time of year was the worst.  It’s was Christmas time, a time when we should come together as family and friends to help one another in the name of the Lord.  No way was that going to happen because everyone was too worried about buying all those fancy gifts like they were buying people's love and affections.

            I knew right then that something had to be done.  I was going to have to make a statement that would help bring people together and it had to be done before Christmas was over.  After much contemplation I decided the best course of action would need to be violent and swift.  Something that would force people to take a look at their lives and the lives of everyone around them.

            There were only three weeks until the holiday so I would have to work fast in order to carry out my plan.  What I needed were some guns and I needed them fast.  Since there were waiting periods to buy guns these days I knew my only option was going to the local flea market.  There you could get some nice weapons that didn’t require a background check.

             While at the market I began noticing things that made me realize more and more that something had to be done and knew I was doing the right thing.  I saw people walking over a couple of homeless men like they were simply pieces of trash scattered on the ground.  Yes sir this was going to have to work for the sake of all.

            I proceeded to pick up a couple of semi-automatics, it cost me quite a bit of money but it would be money well spent by the time I was done.  Then I went to the clothing outlet and found a real nice trench coat to conceal the weapons until the moment I unleashed my frustrations upon the world.

            My plan was to go to the local mall on Christmas Eve around noon when it should be at its busiest, I figured the more lives I took the bigger the statement it would be.  I had only wished I would be around to see how my actions affected the nation but I would have to take my life afterward to put the exclamation point on the situation.

             I went about my business for the next few days. Going to work, hanging out with friends and family knowing it was the last time they would see me. I wanted so bad to tell them and say my last goodbyes there was no way they could know or this would never happen.  They would have to read about how I felt in my final letter to the world.

            

            The morning of Christmas Eve I could feel my heart beating faster as my time to shine was upon me.  I called my parents to tell them to never forget how much I loved them.

            “Is everything alright dear?”

            “Yeah, mom just wanted to say that.”

            “Your such a sweet boy.  Well, see you here for dinner around five o’clock?”

            “Of course, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”  That had to be the first time in my life I had lied to my mom I just hope that’s not what she remembers after I’m gone.

            

As calmly as I could I drove to the mall and found a parking space way out in the middle of nowhere.  The walk was long but it gave me time to reflect on my life and what little I did and how insignificant my legacy was.  This moment coming would all but make up for that.

            My hands were sweating as I opened the door and walked inside like a normal person coming to buy last-minute gifts.  I looked around and realized nobody here knew what was about to hit them.  My final stand was here.  I thought to myself “Nobody lives forever.”

            I was about to pull the guns out and begin my road to glory when out of the corner of my eye an old lady carrying numerous shopping bags caught my attention.  She tripped and fell causing her bags to fly everywhere.  As she slowly tried to get back to her feet I was watching all those people walking by her and not even lending a hand.  I could feel a tear start to roll down my face because I knew that I was definitely about to do my part for humanity.

             I walked slowly towards the lady. When she glanced up I held out my hand“Here let me help you up?" omce I got her to her feet we exchanged smiles, then I said" Can I carry your bags to your car for you?"

Reviews

[Lorraine Pearson]

A very disturbing piece. As I read it, I kept wondering how come "he" wasn't just doing his part to make a positive change for humanity. Watching his actions...plotting and planning the obvious worse--playing judge and jury for everyone...just so he can go "postal." I'm so glad he softened at the end, and the real Christmas spirit bug bit him in the backside. I do wonder however, how did he ever manage to assist the old lady with the cumbersome automatic and trenchcoat he was sporting. :) I enjoyed your story.
~Lorraiyne

[The Rock And Roll Cowboy(REBEL WITH A CAUSE)]

thank you very much

[BrightEyes]

a write that is compelling and gives us a look into the mind of one of those shooters - fiction that mirrors real-life and is certainly believable to the extreme. I, too, wonder how many committ such acts believing they are acting for the common good - making the world a better place somehow . I liked the ending - I really didn't want to watch him blow the old lady away - in the end, he DID do his part for humanity. excellent write.

laura

[Dani California]

The mental illness that lies behind the closed doors of the minds of people .... undetected. It's frightening, but real.

I liked the ending. It shows that good and evil do not and cannot work together.

Great story Dale :) It kept my attention throughout and caused me to wonder how many killers truly believed they were committing mass murder for the "greater good". We need help.....

[John Braswell]

Good story---holds the reader's attention. Numerous typo's distract from an otherwise good piece.

[Nicole (Carpe Diem)]

fantastic story... glad you reposted it!