The Recluse

"The Recluse" by Mike Curry is a science fiction story about Arak Miller, a man stranded on a harsh, empty planet after a catastrophe cuts him off from Earth and his loved ones. Years into his lonely existence, a ship from Earth appears, rekindling his hope for rescue and stirring up the painful memories of his former life. Instead of salvation however, Miller discovers that cruel oppressors now control Earth, turning his dreams into a nightmare. Crushed by the loss of his chance to return home, he vows to erase all ties to his past and disappear into the wilderness, seeing himself as the last free person in world dominated by slavery. The story focuses on themes of being alone, the will to survive, and the fight for freedom in a hopeless situation.