Charity Case

"Charity Case" by Jim Harmon is a science fiction narrative that plunges into the troubled existence of William Hagle, a man haunted by accusations, misfortune, and his own doubts. The story grapples with profound themes of guilt, the possibility of redemption, and the eerie manipulation of unseen beings known as Hexers, who hold Hagle responsible for a past accidental death they blame on him. Narrated through Hagle's pained perspective, readers discover a childhood marked by neglect and false accusations, leading up to a series of unfortunate events, including a failed robbery attempt. Learning about a time machine and otherworldly forces, Hagle unearths the shocking truth: his life is not his own. The Hexers are behind his unending torment as punishment related to the death of one of their own. As Hagle grapples with his guilt and yearns for financial freedom, he begins to understand that his perceived illness might be tied to a life lived under the constant gaze and manipulation of others, forcing him to question if he can ever truly break free from his harrowing destiny.