Apex Publications discussion

This is a delightful story. It isn't as heavy as some of the others in the anthology, which is good for the pacing of the collection as a whole.

I enjoyed the idea that entire galaxies can be contained within a tank, nothing more significant than a living nightlight for a kid. While the father has a moment where he starts to consider that maybe the lifeforms in his son's tank mean something more, can feel and suffer, when it comes down to it it's about pushing a button and starting over when things go wrong.

I agree that this story provides a nice light-hearted change of pace from the heavier material which preceded it.

Reading this story, I couldn't help but think of those Sea Monkey kits you used to be able to order from the back of comic books. Although they actually are living things, they're rarely thought of as such and are mostly viewed as a disposable diversion.

The author took a well explored concept and presented it in a personal way: a tradition passed from father to son; a teaching tool which informs the boy of the fathers notions of right and wrong. As a son, that moment when you think your father is disappointed and instead he demonstrates his faith in you, is a very powerful memory. The author does a wonderful job of bringing that moment (and memory) to life.

I also thought of Sea Monkeys or aquariums with the $0.29 goldfish that keep dying and you just replace, rather than being upset that a living creature died.

I've said it before, but this story reminded me strongly of Asimov's short stories. Very memorable and thought-provoking. Darkly funny, at least to me.

Thank you all for the comments regarding my story. I'm pleased to be part of such an impressive collection.

R.J.

It's a neat idea that a little boy can be a god to a universe. I found this to be a very enjoyable read. It said a lot in just three and a half pages. It reminded me of Men in Black. Like Agent J, those tiny specks just don't know that they are part of a much bigger Universe. I also thought as I was reading. What if Belljy's and Rodget's world was just a nightlight for some other father and son?