Self-Review – Beacon: A Light Shines in Gloucester

Let’s Look at Beacon: A Light Shines in Gloucester

I write a lot of apocalyptic stories. In a way, they’re easier when you’re struggling to fulfill a personal commitment to write every single day. But the best part about Beacon: A Light Shines in Gloucester is that, unlike a lot of my post-apocalyptic stories, it’s actually hopeful.

This puts it in a class similar to Alix’s Apocalypse.

I wrote this story during the third quarter of 2021.

Background

The original prompt word was beacon. So, it immediately made me think of lighthouses. And, the closest lighthouse to my home is (I believe) in Gloucester, Massachusetts.

A Light Shines in Gloucester with the Plot

After an apocalyptic disaster, the unnamed narrator goes to Gloucester, Massachusetts, in order to occupy the lighthouse. They want to see what there is to be seen. And so, they hope, to be seen by someone else out there.

But there may not be anyone else.

Characters from Beacon: A Light Shines in Gloucester

The characters are just the narrator, and a stray dog they have named Sally. The narrator most likely is wholly unaware as to whether there are any other human beings alive at all on planet Earth.

As a result, the reader does not know this rather vital bit of information, either.

Memorable Quotes

When it all went to hell in a handcart, I escaped to Gloucester, to the old Annisquam Lighthouse. Built in 1801, I understand, and 45 feet tall.

I survived and my appetite came back. I headed into town and got supplies. Canned goods. Seeds. Boxed food. Rope. Batteries. Alcohol, of course.

Found a dog there. I guess she didn’t want to run off or was too old or too loyal. No collar. I’ve been calling her Sally.

Rating

The story has a K rating. While this short story is all about the aftermath of a truly horrific disaster, nothing untoward happens ‘on screen’ (as it were).

Takeaways for Beacon: A Light Shines in Gloucester

There is not very much to this one. And that is unfortunate, for I can see where this one does have some potential. After all, there is the very real possibility that the narrator could end up signaling someone (or some kind of a thing) that she most certainly does not wish to find.

Protect Sally at all costs!

---

Want More of my Short Stories and Novellas?

If this story resonates with you, then I hope you will check out some of my other blog posts about my shorter works.

Short Stories

Finally, for a complete list of my shorter works, please be sure to check out the Hub Page—Short Stories.