Stopover

"Stopover" by William Gerken is a science fiction novella written in the late 1950s. The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where individuals possess various psychic abilities due to the aftermath of war and atomic bombings. The narrative explores themes of isolation, the search for belonging, and the potential of psychic powers as a means to forge a better future. The plot follows a young man, referred to as a Lifter, who possesses the ability to manipulate objects with his mind. He arrives in a small town, seeking his family and, while staying with the protagonist, helps rejuvenate the community by teaching children to harness their latent psychic powers. The Lifter's presence sparks a series of council meetings where the townspeople debate the acceptance of those with special abilities. Throughout the story, the conflict between embracing these talents for societal advancement and the fear of the unknown plays out. Ultimately, the Lifter decides to continue his search for others like him, leaving behind a legacy of hope and change for the next generation.