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. 🙂
The Green-Walled Treehouse 
Great piece In just a few lines of dialogue and a single closing image, you’ve captured a profound and very modern grief 💜
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Love the term modern grief. 🙂
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🩷
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This was poignant and scary. Is this where we’re really headed? Al could be the next president, of course it might also be an improvement.
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Virtual solace. Empty as the eye socket of a skull
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What a fabulous take! Blindly seeking comfort for her tremendous grief.
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I watched season 1 of Scarpetta last month and one of the characters in the show talked to her dead wife on a monitor every day. It was both cool and creepy, kinda like your story.
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Dear David,
AI us on veryone’s mind these days, isn’t it? A recent episode of Matlock had the main character speaking to her deceased daughter in a virtual chat. I can see where this would be a draw. As usual a stunning piece of writing, well imagined. Thank you for being part of Friday Fictioneers.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I would love to have this opportunity….
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What is real? We create our own reality, and if it helps, why not.
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It is limited and if it isn’t, it’s creepy.
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i hope she finds solace in her grief whatever it takes.
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What a dangerous slope this is. On the one hand, it’s a way to connect with a dearly departed one; on the other, it’s a way to stay stuck and not move forward. Grief is different for all. Very nicely written, David
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I find it hard to be positive too, I try. But this is a good story, very black mirror-ish. AI could replace our memories, alter reality, diminish our snapping synapses. Great story!
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David, very creative storytelling. I can see this coming. Have you watched the netflix series, Pantheon?
https://www.ndsmcobserver.com/article/2025/02/pantheon-review
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