"Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book rewritten, every picture has been repainted, every statue and street building has been renamed, every date has been altered. And the process is continuing day by day and minute by minute. History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which the Party is always right."

— George Orwell, 1984

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This story was written for the January Pretty in Punk mini contest prompt:

"I went to sleep on New Year's Eve 2020, and woke up New Year's Day 1985."

George Orwell's dystopian tale "1984" is my favorite novel. I've read it five times, and each revisit results in new (and often terrifying) discoveries.

Written in 1948, "1984" is a frighteningly accurate prediction of the future, as well as an innovative and peerless piece of literature. Orwell's imagination is responsible for many universally recognizable phrases and concepts, including: Big Brother, two-way televisions, Room 101, thoughtcrime, and the blatant fabrication of news spun and released by the parties in power.

While still in my teens, I promised myself that I would someday write a follow up novel (likely entitled "1985" or "1994") to Orwell's crown jewel, but as I've gotten older and (hopefully) wiser, I've realized that I am both ill-equipped and entirely unworthy of such an undertaking.

Therefore, when I saw the PIP prompt, and the instruction to "be as literal or abstract" as I wanted, I knew this was my best chance to write a short story paying homage to Orwell and his masterpiece. I tried my best to do his writing style justice. This story may serve no purpose beyond being a coveted checkmark on my bucket list, but thank you for humoring me. Your reads are appreciated.

And don't worry: I am not watching you.

~ Mar

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The world map of 1984, depicting the approximations of the three superstates:
Oceania, Eurasia, and Eastasia.

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