The Abandoned of Yan

"The Abandoned of Yan" by Donald F. Daley is a science fiction novella written in the early 1960s. This poignant story explores themes of abandonment, societal norms, and emotional turmoil within a futuristic setting where individuals can be classified as "Abandoned" and face dire consequences. Focusing on the plight of a woman named Marigold, the narrative delves into her struggle after being left by her husband, highlighting her desperation and the dehumanizing systems surrounding her. The story follows Marigold as she confronts her new identity as an "Abandoned" after her husband walks out on her, leaving her in a precarious situation where her rights are stripped away. As she fills out various forms that label her existence in cold bureaucratic terms, she grapples with the loss of her family and the impending separation from her children. Her emotional journey leads her to make a difficult choice to abandon her husband in return after he rescues her from the grips of the Protection People, ultimately telling a dark tale to her children about their father's fate. The narrative culminates in a cycle of abandonment, vengeance, and the harsh reality faced by those deemed unworthy by society.