In the shadowy metropolis of Neo-Tokyo, a revolutionary technology called DreamShare had taken hold. What began as a miraculous breakthrough in neuroscience quickly devolved into an addictive escape from a crumbling reality.
ZuZu, a disillusioned dream technician, navigated the neon-lit streets, her mind heavy with the weight of countless borrowed memories. She'd seen it all: soaring fantasies, hidden desires, and nightmares that left her gasping for air. But nothing prepared her for the day she stumbled upon a dream that shouldn't exist.
It started innocently enough—a client's mundane dream about grocery shopping. But as ZuZu processed the recording, she noticed something off. Hidden beneath layers of neural static was a message: "The dreams are lying."
Intrigued and unnerved, ZuZu dug deeper. She discovered a underground network of "lucid dreamers" who claimed that DreamShare was more than just entertainment—it was control. The government, they whispered, was using the technology to implant false memories and manipulate the population.
As ZuZu's investigation intensified, so did the danger. Strange men in dark suits began following her. Her apartment was ransacked. Even her own dreams felt invaded, filled with warnings to stop prying.
But ZuZu couldn't let go. She had glimpsed a truth that threatened to shatter the very foundation of their society. With each passing day, the line between reality and dreams blurred further.
In a world where memories could no longer be trusted and dreams had become currency, ZuZu faced an impossible choice: continue exposing the truth and risk everything, or lose herself in the comforting lies of a shared dreamscape.
As she stood on the precipice of a decision, ZuZu realized that in this brave new world, waking up might be the most revolutionary act of all.
That is a fantastic premise to build the story around. I love the idea of the dreams being used as a means of control to implant false memories. Great interpretation... 😎
You're doing great! You've got some fantastic ideas and you're expressing them really well. Exploring new formats and genres always feels strange at first. But the more stories you write, the more natural it will become... 😎
I float weight less in my umbilical warm waste placental water and see the world of your dreams in a watershed moment. The future is a drop in the bucket of a nebulous novocaine. That’s what the world of imagination will need. To wake up from the nightmares that repeatedly come with no answers.
Thank you Ika, I’m proud of this one, especially because the original lacekd a lot of the depth and emotion I managed to bring out here. It’s funny how much progress one can do in a year.
This is fantastic! Nicely put together story, with a great ending. I really like the idea of the 'Brick of Fiction'. It's a fun challenge, and also an excellent way to showcase some longer work, alongside the shorter Microfiction. I'm definitely interested in taking part. I'll have a think and see if I can come up with something... 😎
Billy was just a kid.
It was the 1930’s, and Billy’s mom was the telephone switchboard operator at Sunrise in Mount Rainier National Park.
They lived in a tent in those days and little Billy loved it.
He could go wander around the trails all day.
His only caution was to take a sandwich and a sweater.
One day the stone mason asked Billy to help him cut hearth stones.
Billy’s work became a part of the park’s visitor center.
In the shadowy metropolis of Neo-Tokyo, a revolutionary technology called DreamShare had taken hold. What began as a miraculous breakthrough in neuroscience quickly devolved into an addictive escape from a crumbling reality.
ZuZu, a disillusioned dream technician, navigated the neon-lit streets, her mind heavy with the weight of countless borrowed memories. She'd seen it all: soaring fantasies, hidden desires, and nightmares that left her gasping for air. But nothing prepared her for the day she stumbled upon a dream that shouldn't exist.
It started innocently enough—a client's mundane dream about grocery shopping. But as ZuZu processed the recording, she noticed something off. Hidden beneath layers of neural static was a message: "The dreams are lying."
Intrigued and unnerved, ZuZu dug deeper. She discovered a underground network of "lucid dreamers" who claimed that DreamShare was more than just entertainment—it was control. The government, they whispered, was using the technology to implant false memories and manipulate the population.
As ZuZu's investigation intensified, so did the danger. Strange men in dark suits began following her. Her apartment was ransacked. Even her own dreams felt invaded, filled with warnings to stop prying.
But ZuZu couldn't let go. She had glimpsed a truth that threatened to shatter the very foundation of their society. With each passing day, the line between reality and dreams blurred further.
In a world where memories could no longer be trusted and dreams had become currency, ZuZu faced an impossible choice: continue exposing the truth and risk everything, or lose herself in the comforting lies of a shared dreamscape.
As she stood on the precipice of a decision, ZuZu realized that in this brave new world, waking up might be the most revolutionary act of all.
That is a fantastic premise to build the story around. I love the idea of the dreams being used as a means of control to implant false memories. Great interpretation... 😎
I feel like a suck at stories. UGH!
You're doing great! You've got some fantastic ideas and you're expressing them really well. Exploring new formats and genres always feels strange at first. But the more stories you write, the more natural it will become... 😎
Thanks for the encouragement.
You're very welcome! 😎
Everybody feels that way! But it's amazing. Thank you so much for joining in on the Brick ❤️
You all make it seem so effortless. Thanks for adding to your work load by starting another awesome writing experience for us.
Thanks, Chris.
I float weight less in my umbilical warm waste placental water and see the world of your dreams in a watershed moment. The future is a drop in the bucket of a nebulous novocaine. That’s what the world of imagination will need. To wake up from the nightmares that repeatedly come with no answers.
Great one Richard!
This is a brilliant premise and really cool story Miguel. I love it.
Thank you Ika, I’m proud of this one, especially because the original lacekd a lot of the depth and emotion I managed to bring out here. It’s funny how much progress one can do in a year.
Keep it coming. Your stories are interesting for sure. I should check out more.
Will do! You can expect another Brick in about three weeks :)
This is a fantastic write - the desire to be devoured by our dreams can be more than a little overwhelming x
Thank you! 🥺
This is fantastic! Nicely put together story, with a great ending. I really like the idea of the 'Brick of Fiction'. It's a fun challenge, and also an excellent way to showcase some longer work, alongside the shorter Microfiction. I'm definitely interested in taking part. I'll have a think and see if I can come up with something... 😎
Looking forward to seeing your work!
Nice story, and cool idea. I might have to look into writing something for this.
I would love to see your take on this! :)
Omg I thought that was real! Eeek people are able to travel in consciousness but that scared me! Job well done 🤩🤩
Thank you DeeDee!