Invasion of the Home Snatchers - (A True Story of Horror)


By Glenn Taranto

I am the last tenant in my apartment complex. There’s no one else here… I miss the human interaction. There was laughter, singing… There had been children here once. I think there were children. I’m not sure anymore. I’ve lived here for fourteen years.

My 80-year-old neighbor lived here for thirty. She’s gone now. Not sure what happened to her. Thirteen units… Empty now… Not sure what happened to any of the others… They were here one day and gone the next. Is anyone reading this?

I am taking a moment from packing up my belongings to make a last ditch effort to let whatever human beings, still living in Venice, know an enemy has invaded our homeland. Can anyone hear me? I hope someone is reading this.

This is enemy has already silently infiltrated our community. No one seemed to be aware of it. Because they look like you and me. You can’t recognize them at first site. In fact you may be sitting next to one right now. Look carefully. They have a pocket full of cash and a head full of dreams. Their dreams are our nightmares… It’s a nightmare of homelessness and displacement from all you know.

I remember, in the years before the 21st century, every war fought by Americans has been in defense of our homes. It was an American way of life. King George III, The Kaiser, Hitler, Stalin, Castro. Fight all of these despots. We had to. They wanted what we have but it’s ours, isn’t? Our home? Not to these new invaders. They are the new dictators… They’re called developers. I don’t know where they come from. I’m not sure how to eradicate these developers. They’re a terrifying, relentless and soulless breed. They say they are here for the benefit of the community but what does a community gain when it loses its soul.? Make no mistake about it Venice has lost its soul to these developers.

Legend has it once you allow Dracula to enter your home he will have free reign to come and go as he pleases. That’s what’s happened to Venice. Dracula is here and he’s sucking the life blood out of the community. He wants to give us eternal life but it’s life on his terms not ours. “It’s my building, he says, I can do what I want. You are powerless. You’re existence has no meaning. Only what I want is important.” Those are the words developers speak…. If you hear them run for your lives. Run… But where? I can’t afford to live anywhere… Forty to Sixty percent rent increase… I’m tired. I can’t go on… What is there to do? There’s no one left to fight… The wrecking ball is… Hello? Hello?

Is any one getting this message? If you are, please… please pass this warning on… please do something before it’s too late… They’re coming for you… Yes, YOU! You’re next…

Posted: Thu - February 1, 2007 at 02:15 PM          


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