Canary

"Canary" is a dystopian short story set in Teton City, an underground city, where every ten years, residents gather for a ceremony hoping to be deemed worthy of ascending to Paradise. 

Ellie-May, whose husband previously ascended, grapples with her loss, the resentment she has toward the system that separated them, and the subsequent losses she suffered shortly after. However, when she unexpectedly becomes this year's chosen one, she ascends eagerly to find her husband and to renew her faith in God, only to discover the horrifying truth behind the facade of Paradise.

*Honorable Mention in the April 2025 Issue of Elegant Literature

*Elite 8 Silver Trophy in 2024 Winter Writing Battle

*Out-for-publication requests