Dystopian Eden

The couple enjoyed tending their small, productive backyard garden. Their dog followed them closely as they worked. He was, as often as not, underfoot. He bounded, ears flopping adorably, content with his place in this tiny but strong pack.

When it was their scheduled day for power grid access, they were mandated to watch their quadrant’s assigned news channel for their scheduled "programming". It was a seemingly mindless mesh of sports scores, celebrity gossip, fashion trends, beauty advice, and pop music lyrics. Bubble gum for the brain, delivered in a loop of glitchy, two-minute video segments.

The couple saw it for what it was and they boldly refused. They decided they would not be partaking in the subliminal garbage du jour being served. There would be consequences when viewing compliance reports were run. The couple was unsure how often this was done, but assumed it would be soon.

Shortly after the “Sequestration (For the Common Good) Act” had passed, the couple noticed that every form of media that promoted individual thought or the questioning of authority was gradually being eradicated from the public’s reach. Ironically, there had been a novel written long ago that warned of this very thing taking place. Now, that book was gone too.

In retaliation, the couple created a brazen co-op along with a handful of like-minded neighbors. An illegal “take one, leave one” of unapproved DVDs, VHS tapes, cassette tapes, and banned books. The items were well-hidden, moved often, and never spoken of. It was a huge, albeit quiet, success. Books were the couple’s favorite as the two had always shared a deep love of the written word.

They were happy, all things considered. However, they knew that harsh punishment was imminent for their heinous infractions. This awareness did not frighten them nor dissuade them in any way. Just the opposite, in fact. They flourished with life.

The known fragility of their bliss only sweetened their fleeting time left together. Colors were brighter, food tasted more delicious than seemed reasonable, and sex was out-of-this-world satisfying. With banishment and certain death looming, the pleasures of life now seemed to be amplified.

This was the rhythm of life now: tending the garden, playing with their sweet pup, reading together, sharing wonderful meals, and ravishing one another’s bodies with fervor. It was heartbreakingly simple and pure what they shared.

This was their Eden.

For as long as it lasted.