Proof of the Pudding

"Proof of the Pudding" by Robert Sheckley is a science fiction tale that follows a man who thinks he's the only survivor of a global war, now able to conjure anything he desires. The story examines ideas about what is real and what it means to be alone through a man who mourns humanity's demise while possessing the power to reshape his world at will. When he meets a woman named Joan in a cave, they form a connection, prompting him to use his abilities to fashion a perfect city for them. Doubts about her reality lead to philosophical clashes, leading to questions of the nature of creation. Ultimately, the story is about hope, as Joan helps him to face his fears and find a new beginning amid the ruins of the old world.