Fantasy fiction; Science fiction; Subconsciousness -- Fiction
"... in Europe," it said. "And now for the news, here at home. Probably
the most provocative story of the day concerns the psychiatrist, Horace
D. Polk. It seems that Dr. Polk, in a state of acute agitation, turned
himself in for psychiatric treatment at his own clinic late last night.
The doctor claims that overwork had caused him to be the victim of
hallucinations that take the form of scantily clad women who suddenly
appear, wink at him, and vanish into thin air. Before being taken into
the care of one of his associates, the doctor told newsmen that his
patients would be notified that any diagnosis pronounced by him within
the last two months should probably be disregarded. He said that such
people would be advised to place themselves in the hands of other,
reliable doctors until his recovery. Dr. Grimes, a long-time friend and
associate of Dr. Polk, stated that the clinic...."
Marc quickly turned off the radio, pressing his lips tightly together
to hold back the mirth that was bubbling inside. He turned cautiously
to Julie. She was looking at him now, and the twinkle that always
foreshadowed laughter was in her eyes. Then, she edged closer to him,
and suddenly they both began to laugh in the same instant.
Marc's laughter rang out, clear and unrestrained. Everything was all
right again. He reached an arm around Julie and drew her closer. Yes,
sir, everything was perfectly all right.
* * * * *
_In a faraway time and space, on a drifting world of vagrant mists
and shrouds, five strange figures had drawn together on what appeared
to be a shapeless chunk of steam. Reclining in various attitudes of
majestic ease, they seemed happily unaware that, by human standards,
their physical contours left something to be desired. For reasons known
only to themselves two of the party had seen fit to dispense entirely
with the customary appendages, and were lounging in armless and legless
splendor on their paunchy stomachs. Two others, even less ambitious,
manifested only bulbous heads that terminated in trailing vapors. The
fifth was merely a torso, or at least, a simulation of what the torso
thought a torso should be._
_In the foreground, fidgeting guiltily, George stood before them, his
head bowed in an attitude of abject contrition._
_From one of the five ... it would be difficult to say which under the
circumstances ... a low rumbling voice issued forth. Really more of a
sound than a voice, it seemed to produce only guttural snorts rather
than words. It appeared to be saying:_
"_Spectre, George Pillsworth, the Council finds much cause for
displeasure in your report. It is in fact, severely distressed over the
whole matter. It would seem that you have gone to extravagant lengths
to make us the laughing stock of all limbo._"
_George slowly raised his head. His eyes, the eyes of Marc Pillsworth,
looked pained and darkly apprehensive._
_"But, my lords," he pleaded, "what was I to do?"_
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account