It’s a Wonderful Life – 2060
The chapter introduces Juniper Blakely, a 34-year-old man living in the year 2060, and details his structured yet technologically advanced daily life. Juniper uses an implanted pacemaker-like clock to regulate his sleep and follows a routine that includes automated meals, AI-assisted work, and leisure activities like gardening and model train building. He works remotely for Enstro Technologies, fact-checking global news reports and ensuring the accuracy of communication in a world heavily influenced by AI. His wife, Leonder, also works from home, creating pottery that decorates their distinctive home. The chapter explores themes of nostalgia, the challenges of modern technology, and the human need for escape, as Juniper reflects on the complexities of his work and the world’s precarious state. Despite the advancements, he finds solace in his hobbies and fleeting moments of prayer, yearning for a simpler, better life.
It’s a Wonderful Life – 2060
Chapter Fourteen - Technically Speaking
Chapter 24, Juniper embarks on an ambitious project to recreate the town of Bedford Falls from the classic film It’s a Wonderful Life as a detailed model railroad layout. Using email and social media, he gathers a community of skilled model makers, architects, and craftsmen to bring his vision to life. The chapter delves into the intricate challenges of designing realistic structures, landscapes, and seasonal transitions, including innovative solutions for deciduous trees and snow effects. Juniper’s relentless creativity and problem-solving drive the project forward, but his obsessive dedication takes a toll on his personal life, leaving his wife, Leonder, grappling with the emotional strain of his all-consuming passion. This chapter highlights the intersection of artistry, technical ingenuity, and the human cost of pursuing perfection.