Of Sinew and Substance

by Rhett Downing

Just over five centuries have passed since humanity’s extinction. The earth has retaken her home, leaving only memories of humanity behind. In this introspective journey, a machine with consciousness wonders about his existence and why he was left unscathed, doomed to contemplate the meaning of his life all alone. Though he understands his thoughts are nothing but code, he toils with the feelings meant only for the humans who created him. And with their departure, he finds himself afflicted with loneliness, desperately trying to find someone with whom he could converse about the purpose of creation itself. Though with time comes death, even to the inanimate. In knowing this, he seeks to find something or someone worth living for.

63 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2023

About the author

Hello there, my name is Rhett Downing. I'm a 24-year-old graduate of Texas Tech University with a bachelor's in communication studies and public relations & strategic communication management. I'm also pursuing a master's degree in mass communication from TTU for another year, planning for a PhD in the future.

I've currently self-published five novels/novellas, and have since created a pen name to pursue traditional publication.

Aside from writing, my hobbies include trading the stock and foreign exchange markets, reading, hunting, playing video games, hiking, drawing, and staying in shape.