Fic: Elimination of Risk

[meridian_rose]

Epistolary near future fic.

"Mummy, look at this picture on the learning module! Did people really live in tents and hunt animals for food?"
"Yes. A long time ago."
"That must have been so dangerous! I'm glad we live in a house."

"Mummy, did people really have chimneys?"
"Yes. For many centuries."
"How scary to deliberately make a fire!"

TO: Cam. Thanks for the message. I 'm glad you are enjoying your module on historical sports. No, I can't believe people used to play in teams, touching each other like that either. My module is on social history and how they had chimneys in their houses! Vid you later.

"Mummy, did people really smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol?"
"Yes. Until the government banned them to keep us safe."
"How dangerous! I'm glad we're safe."

"Mummy, did people really have birthday parties? Visit each other and blow germs over cakes?"
"Yes, people used to go to parties and put candles on cakes. Fire and germs, very dangerous."
"I'm glad we have video parties now. That's safe."

"Mummy, did people really go outside without their safety gear?"
"Yes. They risked dying every single time they went outside, because of the bacteria and viruses in the air."
"So now we take care by putting on our hoods and gloves? And we change our clothes as soon as we get home."
"Of course, we follow the Safety Act to keep everyone safe."
"That's why we can't see Uncle George anymore?"
"That's right. He's a madman, going outside without his gear. He could kill us all."

TO: Uncle George. I don't know if you'll get this message, and Mummy would be cross if she knew I sent it. She says you're a madman. But I saw photos of people from Before going outside without their safety gear and they looked so happy. Are you happy? Are you safe?
TO: Alex. Thank you for your message. I hope you get this reply. I'm as safe as I can be while still living my life. I'm as happy as I can be with the Safety Act in place. I'm working with others who want to repeal the Act (make it go away). Your mother loves you and wants you to be safe, but when you get older you can do more research and make your own decisions. Maybe we can meet up again someday.
TO: Uncle George. I'd like to see you again. Did you know people used to drink alcohol and have birthday candles?
TO: Alex. I'd like that. Yes, and I miss those things, but if you look up 'fermentation' you'll find it's a natural process and sometimes I accidentally leave grapes in yeast and sugar ;) Stay strong and maybe one day I can hug you again. Lots of love, Uncle George.