I was a little late getting this story in this week since I was at a conference yesterday with my students, who participated in a panel discussion about their experiences learning English.
On an unrelated note, I recently received two boxes of magazines that my great-great aunt had collected over her lifetime. There are some amazing things in there, from bizarre advertisements to an account of the Titanic disaster published the week after it happened in 1912. And much more. I’m starting a weekly segment known as the Green-Walled Time Machine where I’ll share things from the magazines. A new one will be up every Thursday from next week.
And now, on with the story…
copyright Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Powdered Sugar
The expression on the people’s faces looked like acceptance, just as anthrax looks like powdered sugar.
The fat man on the balcony saw nothing but powdered sugar as he beamed down at the crowd.
“Good morning, everyone! I’m Mr. Krantz, your new owner. I just bought you and this whole street from Mr. Grouse, who’s retiring from the chattel business. I’ll leave your shops alone, don’t worry, although we’ll probably sell off some children here and there. Just business, of course. Nothing personal.”
He chuckled. These people wouldn’t be a problem. They looked weak and insubstantial. Just like powdered sugar.
The Green-Walled Tower 
November 13th, 2014 at 5:24 pm
Dear David,
Naturally powdered sugar makes me think of icing which makes me think of work.
How long will Mr. Krantz think of these people as accepting? Interesting take on the prompt.
I’ll be looking for your Green Wall Time Machine.
Shalom,
Rochelle
November 13th, 2014 at 7:02 pm
I think right up until they kill him, just like anthrax. That’s just my guess though. 🙂
November 13th, 2014 at 11:43 pm
“The expression on the people’s faces looked like acceptance, just as anthrax looks like powdered sugar”.
Great line.
KT
November 16th, 2014 at 12:36 pm
Thanks. 🙂
November 14th, 2014 at 12:08 am
Dear David,
What a bizarre fever dream of a story. I still liked it, but will have to re-read it to get the full flair.
I will check out issues of TGWTM. Can’t wait.
Aloha,
Doug
November 16th, 2014 at 12:38 pm
Thanks, Doug. I’m not sure where it came from except that I looked at the picture and wondered what slavery might look like in a modern setting, where someone could buy a street and everyone living on it. King of neo-surfdom.
November 14th, 2014 at 12:32 am
that is scary!
November 16th, 2014 at 12:38 pm
Yes, quite. 🙂
November 14th, 2014 at 1:55 pm
Dear David,
For our dear Mr. Krantz, it appears that ignorance is bliss. Good for those throngs, though. I’m glad to find them less ignorant than their fearless “leader.”
I’m also looking forward to the time machine. Sounds like some wonderful grist for the creative mill.
All my best,
Marie Gail
November 16th, 2014 at 12:39 pm
MG,
ignorance is bliss for now, until he gets a rude awakening some time in the future.
November 14th, 2014 at 5:28 pm
I took this line, “…although we’ll probably sell off some children here and there. Just business, of course. Nothing personal” to be about Hollywood itself, maybe, also knowing it has nothing to do with Hollywood. Perhaps, inspired by Hollywood. Inventive and creative take. I look forward to the your Time Machine posts. That sounds fascinating!
November 16th, 2014 at 12:45 pm
Amy, I hadn’t thought of it that way, but that works too to think of it as a metaphor for show business. That’s what I love about blogging, you write something and others interpret it in ways you’d never think of. 🙂
November 15th, 2014 at 12:37 am
What a wonderful attic find. I look forward to your posts.
November 16th, 2014 at 12:45 pm
Thanks, Dawn. I have enough material for years, I’m sure. 🙂
November 15th, 2014 at 11:31 pm
check this one out:
http://wingofdreams.wordpress.com/2014/11/16/first-interview-of-david-stewart-an-amazing-author/
and this site too
http://www.facebook.com/checkoutourbooks 😉
November 16th, 2014 at 12:46 pm
Great! Thanks for the links. 🙂
November 16th, 2014 at 10:49 am
I don’t know where this character came from, but can you send him back? 🙂 Beautifully formed and wonderful voice, but just not very nice. Just business isn’t the answer for everything.
November 16th, 2014 at 12:31 pm
Yeah, he is a pretty terrible, although oblivious person. Saying something is just business doesn’t make it okay.
November 17th, 2014 at 12:29 am
I love the idea of the powdered sugar and anthrax. This piece is so incredibly atmospheric, it just sticks in my head. Amazing writing!
November 17th, 2014 at 4:29 am
Can’t wait for this new daily you’ll put out. The Titanic a week after it happened? I’m in.
Powered Sugar.
November 17th, 2014 at 5:50 am
Mr Krantz is such a thoughtful owner to assure them it’s nothing personal. I’m sure they felt comforted by his genuine concern. A very well written piece, David.
November 17th, 2014 at 4:21 pm
David, Different kind of story but interesting and a bit creepy. Well written. I’ll also be looking for The Green Walled Time Machine. 🙂 — Susan
November 17th, 2014 at 4:48 pm
Yes, a little different kind of thing. I was picturing it as being in an alternate universe. Thanks for the comments. 🙂
November 18th, 2014 at 2:03 am
Mr Krantz is very considerate to reassure the ‘chattels’ that their shops are safe, even if their children aren’t. I love this story. It leads you off in so many directions. Wonderful.
November 18th, 2014 at 1:59 pm
Mr Krantz seems to be like a modern day Mr Kurz… really dark though
November 18th, 2014 at 3:08 pm
Yes, quite dark. I’m interested in that type of character who seems so normal and friendly on the outside, but is dark inside.
November 18th, 2014 at 10:34 pm
Dear David – Maybe in some future time, this could happen. Scary though! Well done! Nan 🙂