Free Between the Lanterns by J.M. Bush Page B

with you more, sweets. Now, what say we get ourselves hitched? Care to join me?” Samantha said, extending her arm for him to take.
    August clicked a switch on his cell, using an app he had designed, and the two lanterns sprang to life, bathing them in the softest golden glow. From everyone watching’s point of view, August and Samantha went from regular people to beings of light and magic. It was the most beautiful wedding in the history of New Dothan.

Chapter 8
    SOMETHIN’ IS BURNING

    “Happy Anniversary, sweets!” Samantha squealed while handing August a large, gift- wrapped box with a big silver bow on top.
    “Happy Anniversary, babe,” he replied, planting a quick kiss on her soft, thin lips. “I can’t believe our weddin’ was a year ago, you know?” Hefting the large box in his hand, August added, “Wow, this thing feels heavy. You didn’t have to get me somethin’ so big, Sam!”
    “Oh just hush up and open it,” she urged him. “Go on.”
    August did as instructed and unwrapped the box. Inside, he found something that he didn’t quite expect but loved nonetheless. He thought it was the coolest thing anyone had ever done for him.
    “Sam, did you make this?” he asked in awe. “It’s amazin’, love!”
    Inside the box was a carved wooden figure that stood as tall as August’s knees. It was a sculpture of the newest model from the Montek.Automaton line, which was the most advanced version yet. Plus, this latest advancement was only possible because of August. Montek still didn’t give out any thanks or say he was responsible. They still only gave him a small Credit bonus for all of his hard work. But August said that he didn’t do it for recognition or Credit anyways. Once the man noticed something that he didn’t like, August just had to find a way to fix it.
    “Well, sweets. I’m just so proud of all the work you’ve done and how far along you’ve brought their odd little project, that I wanted you to have one,” Samantha told her smiling husband. “And since I don’t like the big tin cans, I thought this was the next-best thing. It doesn’t do anything. Heck, it doesn’t even have movable joints. It’s just a wooden statue.”
    “Oh Sam,” he said, turning the deceptively heavy sculpture over in his hands, “it’s better than the real thing. It’s a work of art, babe! I love it so much. And I love you, too. Thank you.” He kissed her again, and then, rubbing his hands together, said, “Now, it’s your turn!”
    August took her hand and led her to the kitchen. Beside the oven was a large container. Samantha looked curiously at the box. She already had every kitchen appliance she needed.
    Why would he go and buy her more?
    “Well, open it, Sam,” he said, now urging her on. “Don’t just stand there.”
    Samantha walked over and tore into the box. Inside she found something revolting. Why would he do this to her? He knew how she felt about these things. It must be some sick joke. And she did not like it.
    “Sweets, you know I love you… but this ain’t funny. I never have and never will want one of these infernal Nutricators,” she said sternly. “I cook and eat real food. You know this. Why on Earth would you buy me one?”
    August patted the air with his hands to calm her down, and explained, “I know, I know, babe. But listen to me for a second. Workin’ at the factory, and now being in management, we hear some things tricklin’ down from on high at Montek. We were quietly informed that, just like with your diner, all homes would soon be required to have a Nutricator inside. Montek has found a way to force everyone in the world to buy their terrible machines. But… because of this they came out with a new model that is very simple and affordable, to make it easy for everyone to get one. I bought one of those, and fixed it.”
    “Fixed it? Like how fixed it, sweets?” she asked, now intrigued.
    “I made it so that any time you tried to use the Nutricator,