Who would have thought it? Montreal was the answer to human salvation.
Due to its specific geographic location, prevailing winds and ocean currents and distance from any of the active fault lines, Montreal was the one place where the air was still breathable, the climate was habitable and the landscape stable.
Peering through the curtains I thought about the journey we had survived to get here.
The Canadians had been welcoming, despite the overcrowding. Every house was packed with refugees.
There would be questions in the future about sustainability, food and water, law and order.
For now, the sun rose over Montreal.

Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).
To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.
Bleak and yet hopeful, Iain
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Thanks Neil
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My goodness, after reading this I thought; is Montreal the last place on Earth? Then again why not. I like the shift from a dystopian view to one of futuristic optimism. A fine flash fiction piece.
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Great piece, Iain.
But if Canada is the answer, I am concerned about the question!
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It’s going to be somewhere less obvious that remains when all the big famous cities of the world are destroyed…
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You are right, of course.
According to Nevil Shute, some 60 years ago, Australia was the last to go.
But it makes sense that somewhere like French Polynesia will be as safe as it gets.
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An interesting take, and nicely written. I like the optimism of your story.
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Thanks Penny
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Dear Iain,
Uplifting and bleak at the same time. Well written.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks Rochelle
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There are plenty south of the border who think Canada may be the solution right now 😉
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I did want to include something like, thank goodness it wasn’t somewhere in America… but the word count didn’t allow it, and some readers may have been offended! 😉
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Since the photo was from Montreal anyway…
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Very inspiring piece. There are questions about the future but there’s hope as well. Well done!
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Thanks
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There’s a wonderful book by Trevanian called The Main set in Montreal. He really takes the pulse of the city.
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Thanks for the tip.
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I’ve read Canada’s immigration laws and it’s not so easy to get in. I’m betting even a nation as big as Canada, in such an environmental emergency and with abundant but still finite resources, would circle the wagons and severely restrict or stop all immigration to their nation.
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If it was the last hope for human kind, I’m not so sure. They seem pretty open and helpful types.
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You’ve got that right, Iain.
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Loved the feel good optimistic vibe of the story despite it’s streak of initial pensiveness. Well written, Kelly.
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Thanks Neel
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As my mother is Canadian I guess at least half of me should be welcome there! Something a little different from you this week Iain.
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You should find it easy to get in then, lucky you 🙂
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Montreal as a post apocalypses. refuge. Ingenious.
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We’ll have to take shelter somewhere when it comes 🙂
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I love a good apocalypse tale. Also, I like the way you portrayed Canadians as helping and sharing. Although, I am not sure every country would have this attitude when such tragedy hits us.
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No, I’m sure there are others who would shut their borders and only look after their own.
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If you are right Iain, I am on my way to Montreal.
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Maybe we should all move there!
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A superb story, Iain. I particularly enjoyed the analysis of why Montreal is the place to be. And I love the last line with that subtle hint of doubt. A great read!
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Thanks Edith
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Great use of the location of the photograph Iain. Let’s hope all frequent your dire predictions of apocalypse do not come true in our lifetimes 🙂
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Here’s hoping!
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Hopefully it rises in other places, too. It’s all connected one way or another.
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We certainly are.
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it’s hope that keeps us alive. anything that gives hope is a positive thing.
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Thank you
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Nice for Dale!
A tough future ahead, but a future nonetheless.
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Yep, she hardly has to move 🙂
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15 minutes away from that wonderful pic you selected up at the top…
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🙂
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Who’ll be the last to drink Canada Dry? 😱
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The Mounties will keep everyone in order.
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No horsing about for those lads 😜
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Well-written–a sad, optimistic and a commentary, too (IMO), all in 100 words. Excellent!
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Thanks Jan
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I’ve just started reading the stories, after writing my own. I have a feeling there’s going to be a lot of apocalyptic stories this week. Enjoyed yours very much. Montreal is a wonderful place.
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I shall have to visit during the apocalypse 🙂
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I too had an apocalyptic idea, but didn’t use it. Something about that setting sun. Loved your take. Montreal hey? Would never have guessed, but then again Canadians were the most welcoming to refugees in recent events.
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That’s definitely looking on the bright side! 🙂
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Dystopia here we come, this could be a reality for many in a few years. Bleakly brilliant!
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Let’s hope not, but they’ll be happy in Montreal!
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It looks mighty fine in Canada!
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The world needs to be Canadian.
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It couldn’t be any worse if we gave it a try.
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Lovely. And it’s a wonderful city.
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I shall have to visit sometime, preferably before the apocalypse.
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Obviously, I love this, Iain 😉
And why not be the last habitable place on Earth?
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Why not indeed 😉
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Excellent! The people are probably the most welcoming on the planet so it’s a great place to have as the last habitable place. 🙂
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See you there when the time comes!
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I’m glad I now know where to go! 🙂
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A very realistic approach!
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Thanks Reena
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I loved how your story ended with a nod to optimism 🙂
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Thank you
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Surprisingly hopeful for an apocalyptic world. I like it.
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Thank you Carol
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Aren’t you lucky it was in Canada, not America!
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I wanted to hint at that without saying it explicitly! Thanks Liz
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I like the reflective tone you create very much, and the measured perspective taken on the refugee situation. Nicely done.
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Thank you
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And I hear a lady just opened a great air BNB there. She serves homeade biscuits and gravy too!
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Sounds like the place to be, we should all visit 🙂
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This is such a clever story, Iain, deceptively simple because you have deftly packed a huge amount of information into one hundred words. And the close is just elegant.
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Thank you Jilly, much appreciated.
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A sad tale with a touch of hope. Well told Iain!
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Thanks Russell
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A wonderful story of contrasting feelings. Well-written.
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Thanks Lisa
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Well told, Iain.. I was talking to my husband last night about the possibility of our kids being exchange students, and my husband asked where they would go. I immediately crossed USA off the list, but we thought Canada might be okay. So, I could get the idea of people ending up in Montreal.
Meanwhile, I live just North of Sydney almost at the beach. So, you’re all invited to my place if the end comes. I think it’s a better bet.
Best wishes,
Rowena
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Ha, thanks Rowena, will keep that in mind if needed! 🙂
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Hopefully, not. Quite a few people have moved to Australia since the 60s fearing a nuclear attack and so far so good.
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Thank goodness for the Canadians!
Clever enjoyable read.
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Absolutely! Thanks Dawn
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Such a good tale, giving us the present situation with allusions to the past and the threat of the future. So well done.
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Thank you Sarah Ann
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I like it! A little hint of dystopianism.
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Thanks Pamela
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