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 Twenty-Six - Juniper’s Troubling Dream
In this chapter, Juniper and Leonder’s relationship takes a pivotal turn as they navigate personal and professional crossroads. On a seemingly spontaneous trip to Indiana County, Leonder reveals a carefully orchestrated plan involving John Sayre, Juniper’s colleague, to bring Juniper back into the fold of his abandoned projects. The couple visits Buttermilk Falls, a location tied to local history, where Leonder discloses her secret dealings with Sayre. Sayre’s proposal includes a new property for the couple, closer to Juniper’s work, and a fresh opportunity for Juniper to revive his creative endeavors while Leonder gains the freedom to shape their personal life.