Keith LaFountaine has appeared on the site a few times, but not enough. His work is sincere and thoughtful such as this fine example, Home Again. This work is multilayered and even contains a language of Keith’s (I assume) own invention. It is a masterful blend of science fiction, horror, regret and even redemption. Such a wonderful mix that is quite poignant and inspiring. We believe that readers new to it will come away feeling the same.
We have invited Keith to add his own thoughts on Home Again.
***
Now Over to Keith:
I tend to get story inspirations from imagery, and for this story the image was the opening paragraph: an astronaut in a spaceship, surrounded by his dead crew members and bubbles of blood as he cascades toward an alien planet. I didn’t know what awaited him on that planet or what would happen when he landed, and I spent a lot of time thinking about that question before landing on the final scene (I also happened to be reading Stephen King’s “Revival” at the time, which likely contributed). But mostly, I was interested in David’s life. What led him to that point? How did he end up in that spaceship? And what is he thinking about as he stares down his mortality? Whether David actually transcends time and Space, or whether it’s simply revery, I’ll leave that to readers to decide. For me, what’s important is David’s decision to turn that car around.

Hi Keith
I’m a new reader of this piece, and am super-impressed with your very well-made short story, “Home Again.”
Will place longer comments under the story itself; but “Bravo” here!
Dale
LikeLike
I enjoyed this story just as much — maybe even more — the second time around. Although David didn’t make it back home except in his mind, that was enough for him to thwart the bug people and die at least a little bit happy.
LikeLike
Keith
Grizzly and touching at the same time.
Best line: “that memory from the ether of infancy.”
Thanks — Gerry
LikeLike
Hi Keith
Thank you for your exellent addition, and I know that many new readers will see your work today!
Leila
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not sure if I missed this the first time time round or what, but it’s a great piece, with some beautiful lines and a superb science fictiony mix of the everyday with the horrific. Nice one!
LikeLike