THE BLACKOUT DINNER
Housefly News Network, Channel 2
ANCHOR:
We now go to our correspondent, Griblo, with a follow-up on last week’s unusual events.
GRIBLO (wings buzzing steadily):
Thank you Hive. It has been one week since the blackout in Kitchen Sector 7112B. Power has long been restored, yet every evening the humans here continue a new ritual. They call it the “Blackout Dinner.”
It all began last Tuesday, at exactly 18:42. The entire apartment went dark. The ceiling lights blinked out and the gentle purr of the cold-box that smells like food went silent completely.
The Father had been watching a large glowing panel in the living area. Now it was nothing but a black surface reflecting his face. The two juveniles were absorbed in their small handheld devices until those went blank as well. They tapped, swiped, frowned, murmuring something like “no Wire Fire.” The air itself seemed heavier, as if the whole room was holding its breath.
Then the Mother appeared with a small metal tool. She flicked it, and a spark caught on a short pillar of wax. A flame bloomed at the top, warm and flickering. It was the only light in the room. The family drew closer to it, as though remembering something they had forgotten.
The Father left for a moment, then returned with a small camping stove. He was met with looks of amazement by the two children. The Matriarch set out vegetables, garlic, and jars of dried herbs. Knives moved across the cutting board.
At first, the heat pressed in uncomfortably, sweat rising on the humans’ foreheads. But as garlic sizzled in oil, herbs released their sharp perfume, and roots softened in broth, the heat changed. It became something warmer, drawing them closer, their eyes fixed on the Mother as she cooked.
By the time the food was ready, the family had all gathered at the table. No devices in sight. They ate and spoke to one another. The boy admitted he hadn’t handed in his schoolwork for weeks, while the girl confessed she hid in the library to avoid PE lessons. The Father said quietly that he hated his job. The Mother did nothing but listen, then reached across the table to rest her hand on each person.
Afterwards, they went outside. The street was alive with children running and playing, while adults stood in small groups, talking and laughing. Overhead, the night sky stretched wide and clear. The smaller female pointed and said, “Mom, that is Sirius! It just showed up!”
The Mother smiled, “It has always been there. We just never looked.”
Not long after, the power returned. But the Mother simply said, “Let’s leave the lights off.”
And now, one week later, there has been no blackout, yet the candles and the stove come out every evening. They sit together, talk, and gaze at the stars.
And not once have the humans tried to swat me. They have changed indeed. This is Griblo. Back to you in the Hive.
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