Absentee Ballot
Thomas Kleaton
Although his sight was going, Richard recited his oath of office in the mirror. Susan admired him from her wheelchair, her sagging skin giving the impression of incredible age.
He shuffled into the recreational area of their retirement community in space.
Otis and Nathan lolled in their rocking chairs, indifferent. Nathan’s false teeth tilted askew as his decaying jaw hinged open.
I outlived all of you. My wife and cherished friends. I deserve to be mayor of this rocky moon, even if by default. Richard settled into the window seat, gazing out at the bright stars beyond the grayish dunes.
