Ghost in the Machine

“Mom, it’s not real!”

“Please! Don’t shout.”

“It’s not him. It’s just an AI-generated version of Dad. You can’t even talk to him.”

“I miss him so much.”

“And I don’t? I’m his son. But he’s dead, Mom.”

“You’re cruel.”

“It’s not healthy.”

As soon as he left, she put on the VR headset. She was sitting on the shore, looking out at the island. Albert, as young and handsome as their wedding day, was sitting on the porch of the cottage over there. He saw her and waved.

No, she thought. This is real. I need it to be.

Hmm, after last week’s story and this one, I seem to be on a bleak dystopian streak. I’ll try to be more positive *next* week. 🙂