The Eternal Wall

"The Eternal Wall" by Raymond Z. Gallun is a science fiction story that considers deep questions about what happens after we die and how humanity’s impact might last far into the future. It imagines how science could change things, seen through the eyes of Ned Vince, a young man brought back to life a million years after he dies in a car crash by smart, rodent-like creatures called Loy Chuk and his people. When Ned wakes up, Earth is totally different, humans are gone, and he's like an old thing dug up from the past. Loy Chuk wants to help Ned fit into his time, even thinking about sending him back, but Ned understands that going back in time isn't possible. Facing this truth, Ned has to make peace with being in this new world, holding on to some hope instead of just being watched as a piece of history.