io9 is excited to present a piece of fiction from LIGHTSPEED MAGAZINE. Every month, we showcase a story from the current issue of LIGHTSPEED. This month’s featured story is “The Last Lucid Day” by Dominique Dickey. Enjoy the read!
The story begins with a dream where the protagonist’s father is holding their head underwater, creating a sense of fear and discomfort. The dream ends with the father walking away, leaving the protagonist feeling alone and vulnerable. When the protagonist wakes up, they are sweating and feeling anxious, deciding to call in sick for work.
As the protagonist heads to Magnolia Assisted Living to visit their father, memories of their childhood and time spent with their father resurface. The complex relationship between the protagonist and their father is explored through past experiences and interactions. Despite the difficult moments, there is a sense of longing and an attempt to connect with the father in the present.
The story delves into themes of forgiveness, regret, and acceptance as the protagonist grapples with their father’s deteriorating health and impending loss. The father’s memory loss and confusion add another layer of complexity to their relationship, highlighting the fragility of human connections.
Ultimately, the protagonist confronts their father about past traumas and seeks closure, only to be met with unexpected responses and unresolved emotions. The story ends with a poignant moment of realization and acceptance, capturing the bittersweet nature of familial bonds and the inevitability of change and loss.
Dominique Dickey’s storytelling skillfully navigates the emotional landscape of the protagonist’s journey, offering a thought-provoking reflection on love, forgiveness, and the passage of time. “The Last Lucid Day” is a powerful narrative that resonates with readers on a profound and intimate level, inviting contemplation on the complexities of human relationships and the enduring impact of our shared experiences.
