Happy Sunday, happy September, and happy Autumn. This week I'm back with another short story, the fifth one of the year. I do this from time to time, and you can find the last short story (Don’t cry for me) here, and lots more in the back catalogue of this blog (I recommend Maisy and Flowers if you'd like pointers on where to start). This week’s story is called End of the union, and I wrote it in response to a prompt about finding a lost document. Please enjoy, and as always, do let me know what you think.
— End of the union —
Alaska Times
Tuesday, March 17th, 2139
The discovery of a 21st Century diary has been hailed by historians and archivists around the globe as a miraculous find. Professor Keane of the National University of Alaska has called the diary, believed to belong to a Paul Scholes, as the “Pompeii of our age.”
“I can’t overstate how big a deal this is,” she said. “For the diary to have survived a nuclear apocalypse, and be found virtually intact more than a century later, it’s remarkable.”
The Scholes Diary, as it’s now known, reveals chilling details on life in the USA just before the End of the Union. Excerpts have been reproduced below.
Friday, November 27th, 2026
This moron of a president is running his mouth again about state sovereignty. The governors of Texas and California have both called him out on the news. The Pennsylvania and Florida fellows also seem to have a lot to say online. What a mess!
Mr Schmeichel refused his pills today. He didn't want them yesterday either, the poor fellow.
Monday, November 30th, 2026
Just seen on the news that there were riots in 32 of the 50 states over the weekend. The president is threatening Martial law. Surely he wouldn’t go that far?
Thursday, December 3rd, 2026
Went to the store for my weekly groceries top-up. There was no bread, pasta, flour or any kind of meat. They had the canned foods Mr Schmeichel likes though, so got enough to last a few weeks. He’ll be pleased.
Monday, December 7th, 2026
Woke up to the news that California and Texas have officially seceded from the union, and other states are likely to follow. The president is threatening nuclear warfare on them. Doesn’t he realise this isn’t child’s play?
Running low on the last of my food and can’t go to the store for another 3 days due to the curfew. Mr Schmeichel’s supplies are starting to look appealing. I wonder what they taste like…or if he’ll mind…
Thursday, December 10th, 2026
Went to the store earlier. It was no longer there, just rubble. Not sure how it happened, the TV networks haven’t worked since yesterday.
I’m this close to digging into Mr Schmeichel’s stash. Surely it can’t be that bad. He’s such a fussy eater, and he seems to like it.
Saturday, December 12th, 2026
Tried a bit of Mr Schmeichel’s food today. This is what it’s come to. If the situation wasn’t dire enough, I saw on Facebook that the president has threatened to put up a digital firewall to keep the world out of “America’s affairs”. The TV networks still aren’t working, and now no Internet? God help us.
Friday, December 18th, 2026
Did the unspeakable today. I had no choice. It was a kindness, really. Forgive me, Mr Schmeichel.
Monday, December 21st, 2026
Can’t wait for this to be over. See you soon, Mr Schmeichel. You were the best kitty.
My new album, Hope on the Horizon, is out everywhere now. Not a fan of streaming and want to support my music? You can download a digital version or buy a CD now here. Thank you for listening, spreading the word, and reaching out to share your thoughts. I appreciate it. Have a great week.