Black Hole Experiment

Short Story

I heard a voice through the radio, "Trial number 65,438. Commander Weathers, you are now ranging in." My hands seemed to be sweating through my suit. The dark, hopeless void filled me with dread. I didn't know what would happen after I entered. I feared I would not be able to return, but this was for the purpose of science. I had to continue. The force of the black hole dragged me further in. The voices coming from my headset dwindled into static.

    Suddenly, I was no longer left alone in space. I was standing on the side of an empty street with a quiet town nearby. Am I dead? Since I was confused, I began walking toward the town. I soon began to realize the similarities between my town and this one, in fact, it was my town. The only thing missing were people. Where were they?

    After wandering the town for an hour, I stood in front of the local grocery shop. A pile of newspapers sitting out front told me it was April 9, 2014, the day after I left the station. Inside the shop, the shelves were fully stocked, and at that moment, my stomach began to rumble. I grabbed a basket and began to find some food. Some apples, carrots, strawberries, a few bottles of water, and of course some goldfish.

    I walked along the road and ate my snacks. Soon, I found myself standing in front of a one-story house. It took some time for me to realize that it was my house. I felt a flutter of hope in my stomach. Was my family here? I sprinted up the steps and inside the house. Sitting on the counter, I saw a letter addressed to Georgy M. Weathers at 822 Tupac LN. Paradise, Ohio. That was my wife. The letter read;

    Dear Mrs. Weathers,

        At 3 pm last afternoon, you're husband, Jacob Weathers was supposed to be launched from rocket SM-64E Atlas. However, during the launch complications took place. The rocket erupted in flames when trying to launch. Medics arrived at the scene as soon as possible, but there was nothing to be recovered. We regret to inform you that you're husband, Jacob Weathers, is dead.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call at (1) 515-387-1931.

Our Deepest Regards

Columbus Society for the Advancement of Rocketry

    I sat the letter down and tried to stop my hands from trembling. I had a small suspicion from the beginning, but I didn't know how right I was. I could now answer my question from when I first arrived at this place. Yes, I was dead.