So, yeah, I meant to schedule a Sunday post, but I askidently posted it instead of scheduling it. So, because I am how I am, here I am scheduling another post, hoping it will post on Sunday, not right now.

This story is also from my science fiction short story collection, OTHER EARTH, OTHER STARS.

The Better You Fly

excerpt from “Pile-Up”
by Marian Allen

The jingle played again on the radio, the third time I’d heard it this morning, to and from shopping at the Lady Plus outlet:

The fatter you are, the better you fly!
Successful dieters need not apply.

For some reason, I actually listened to the man in the ad this time, instead of dismissing the announcement as a particularly insensitive commercial for a diet club.

Are you overweight? Have you tried everything and been unsuccessful? Sky-High Support is now taking applications for its new training program. Some risk is involved, so applicants without dependents are preferred.

He gave the time and location — now and nearby.

I was the perfect applicant: In my mid-twenties, I’d started picking up weight. I’d cut back on calories, stepped up exercise, and still gained weight. When I reached X years old and pounds over my optimal size, my husband filed for divorce. We had no children. My parents were financially solid. So, no dependents. And risk sounded good this morning.

~*~

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A PROMPT FROM ME TO YOU: A character jumps the gun on something.

MA