THE SKEPTIC

He opens the door wearing nothing but underwear. 

I tell him I'm looking to interview folks in the area. I say I want to know how replicators have changed the lives of regular Americans. 

The man seems extremely confused and agitated.  

MAN: What the hell are you talking about? Machines that print out sandwiches?

No, I mean, that's just an example of the things replicators can make. They can make copies of anything small enough to fit in the machine. How have you not heard of this?

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

MAN: Look, man, I went off the grid for a dadgum reason. Whatever the hell this machine is you're talkin' about, I don't want nothin' to do with it. Assuming it even is real, which I very much doubt. 

Two women, each at least a decade younger than THE SKEPTIC, appear behind him in the doorway.

WOMAN #1: Who's that? And what has he got in his hand?

WOMAN #2: Is there a visitor? Don't turn this one away!

It's just a recording device fo–

MAN: Y'all get back in the house! I don't know who he is. I think he wants to sell me some kind of machine that makes ham sandwiches.

No, I'm a journalist. I just want to speak with folks who haven't been as affected by the collapse. And so people who live off the grid are of special interest. You grow your own food, I'm guessing?

MAN: You're damn right, we make our own sandwiches. Better luck elsewhere, buddy.

THE SKEPTIC slams the door.