"The council has ruled—Death!"
"I’m innocent." Jack said, handcuffed. "I didn’t
break the law. You have no evidence!"
"You’re wrong." The councilman pushed a button. "A
witness says you horded food. His testimony is enough—You'll
be recycled like all lawbreakers."
The wood beneath Jack’s feet folded back.
"Please. Have mercy! My family needs me!"
Everyone heard his screams down the tube. The large
grinder below silenced him. A giant whirl shook the building and
four pink squares popped out of the tube in the floor.
***
The councilman spoke to Jack Jr. "You’ve done an
honorable thing reporting your father’s greediness, young man.
Hording is against the law. You'll get double food portions
this week."
***
Jack Jr. collected his extra square of meat from the tube.
"Make it last kids," Their mother said, "We’re running out of
family to recycle."
