The Button Bin
By Mike Allen, first published in Helix SF
In an alternative universe, a young man goes hunting for his missing niece, with whom he shares a troubling history. His search leads him to a malicious villain who forces the man to reckon with his past crimes.
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In an alternate world, a young man named Shaun looks for his missing niece, Denise. Denise grew up alongside Shaun due to the instability of her mother and father's relationship. They loved each other dearly, but Shaun introduced Denise to drugs, fueling a long-term addiction, and an incestual encounter between them drew them further apart. Denise disappears with her boyfriend, Billy Willett, to go on a bender; they got in an accident that left Billy incapacitated and Denise missing. Stricken with grief and guilt, Shaun visits Billy's home to inquire about Denise's disappearance. Billy mocks Shaun, but ultimately reveals that a meth dealer named Mr. Lenahan is responsible. Shaun kidnaps Mr. Lenahan and forces him to reveal where Denise is. Mr. Lenahan laughs and shows Shaun a box of buttons, one of which matches the glittery green of Denise's eyes. Mr. Lenahan's buttons are taken from each of his victims and, once plugged into his body, allow him to see from their perspective. Mr. Lenahan inserts Denise's buttons and reveals that he knows all about Shaun's transgression. Angered, Shaun attacks Mr. Lenahan, eventually taking control of his buttons. Shaun is left with Mr. Lenahan's lifeless body, but he is pleased: with the buttons and the man's skin, he will see Denise once more.
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