The Stuff

"The Stuff" by Henry Slesar is a science fiction story that contemplates the allure of fabricated realities. The story centers on a man, Andy Hills, paralyzed from an accident, who takes a new drug, Senopoline, allowing him to live his ideal life in a protracted dream. Within this dream, Andy overcomes his handicap, becomes a tennis star, a famous artist, a successful politician, and finally, the World President. The narrative explores his dream life filled with accomplishments and satisfaction, set against the grim reality of his physical condition and inevitable death, probing the ethics of escaping into dreams and the true meaning of a life well-lived.