It was a structure built specifically to protect one from the elements and provide comfort for its inhabitants.

Rain could not enter as it first encountered an angled roof covered with asphalt overlapping squares that diverted the liquid to the sides and over the edge. Thus, inside, it was never wet. The entrance to this abode was a hinged, rectangular opening that allowed one to enter yet retain the climate inside by swinging back shut. Inside stayed — year round, in fact — a consistent 72 degrees, no matter the outside temperature. This feat was accomplished in the summer by a large device built to remove the heat from air and force the residual cool into each room by a series of tunnels located under the floors with various outlets. In the winter, a similar device heated the outside air and it took a related route. All that was required by the user was a simple push of a button mounted at a convenient location on an inside wall and the desired temperature could always be maintained.

As to water needs, an elongated nozzle protruded from the wall at various locations with two adjoining handles. By turning the handles counterclockwise, either purely hot or purely cold water, or a combination of both, would instantaneously flow out of the nozzle, pass into a container whereby any excess would be diverted outside the entire structure. This resource was available morning and night. The liquid was also available in a similar manner by means of a separate room designed entirely for cleanliness. A large nozzle separated the water into droplets. They fell onto their recipient at the temperature he could adjust as the water was falling. This, combined with specific cleaning elements designed for specific parts of the body, gave the user the ability to maintain a constant state of cleanliness, if they so desired.

As to the preparation of food, heat could be directly and quickly emitted from a counter top for the purpose of cooking. Any resultant smoke was quickly drawn out of the room and emitted into the atmosphere. Those provisions that required coolness for preservation could be placed into a large, rectangular box separated into two areas that maintain a just-above-freezing zone and a just-below.

The largest room of this complex included various structures whereby its inhabitants might recline in variety of positions. They were designed entirely for comfort. On the largest wall was positioned a large screen whereby various moving pictures and sounds were emitted entirely for the entertainment of its audience. This device could be controlled from a distance by a small rectangular device with push buttons.

On this day, it resided in the hand of one Mister Benjamin Brown, who sat in the midst of this entire complex, brooding as to why he could not get ahead in the world.

REX ALPHIN of Walters is a farmer, businessman, author, county supervisor and contributing columnist for The Tidewater News. His email address is rexalphin@aol.com.