Future Cat by Xuan Juliana Wang, 2019
The magic trick:
Keeping the focus on the characters, not the magical element
X is for Xuan.
Really good story today.
It starts with a big idea – a wine ager that can magically pass time quickly for all kinds of objects (or people). But the story is restrained with the way it uses what could be a gimmick. Instead, its focus is on the people, relationships, and emotions that are transformed by the magical wine ager.
And that’s quite a trick on Wang’s part.
The selection:
When the advertisement for this Wine Ager appeared on her computer screen, she couldn’t control herself and clicked “buy” right away. She’d recently purged out-of-date iPods, iPads, a VHS rewinder shaped like a Corvette, and a jiggling adhesive mask that was supposed to work out her face. She already had a robot vacuum, a neck massager, an air purifier, a humidifier, and a dehumidifier. What was one more impulsive appliance purchase?
She had been expecting a state-of-the-art high-tech gadget, but the thing in front of her looked more like something someone’s mother might pull out of the attic in order to display pomegranates, scented candles, or gourds.
As always, join the conversation in the comments section below, on SSMT Facebook or on Twitter @ShortStoryMT.
Subscribe to the Short Story Magic Tricks Monthly Newsletter to get the latest short story news, contests and fun.
Short Story Magic Tricks 