Extra Innings -- I (The Tryout)

    'Hey! Where you going?'
    'Doesn't matter. Nowhere.'
    'Where's nowhere?'
    'Somewhere you don't know.'
    'Is it far?'
    'Far enough.'
    'What's all that stuff in your bag?'
    'Doesn't matter. I'll be back around dinnertime, cool?'
    'Sure. Where you going? Tell me or I'll lock the door.'
    'Forfuksake...I... I'm going to... a park for a... job... interview. Right, I'm meeting them for a job in park recreation.'
    'Well you be careful. I can't have any of those Bay Street bullies giving my Ti-Bub any trouble. You call me the first time you're uncomfortable, okay? I'll be there ready to pounce. That's right... hey, where are you going?'
    'Nowhere.'

    He was quickly out the door before any further inanity in question form could be lobbed at him. His bag contained only a change of clothing, spiked shoes, a mitt, a bottle of water and nothing at all resembling a resume. There was no job interview, though in a sense there was kind of.
    The walk to St. George station was a quick one, though loaded with tension nonetheless. He was nervous, like a student of solitude invited to hang out with the cool crew. There was an excellent chance he was about to make a fool of himself. The suspense was unbearable, but the invitation could not be refused, even if this particular crew turned out to not be so cool.
    A subway train came unexpectedly fast, and twenty minutes later he was stepping into Runnymede, a station with a strange name and even stranger colour scheme. The e-mail had instructed him the 79 bus would take him close to the park, but he foolishly took the 71 in excitement. Suddenly he was at St. Clair and Mondovi rapidly regretting the whole endeavour.
   
    'Excuse me? Excuse me.'
   
    'Hey there, I'm lost. Can you...'

    'Pardon me, I'm just trying to find...'

    'Sorry, but do you know... okay sure. Fine. Keep walking. Asshole.'
    'What'd you say joker?'
    'Nothing. Sorry. Hey, do you know where... yeah great. You keep walking too. Only time any of you listen is when I insult you. Hey dickface! You know where Symes Road is?'
    'My word! Watch your language young man! Symes is a block that way, north side. I say, next time ask with some politeness, scoundrel!'
    'Great... thanks...'
   
    Symes Road was an odd road lined with identical townhouses, the kind that seem planted instead of grown. The street ended but continued again behind a barrier, transforming quickly from a generic housing development into an abandoned factory district of unspeakable slaughters. He was uneasy but utilized the cliche "I've come this far" to press himself onward. The smell of rotting carcasses and discarded skin faded away once the road dipped downward into a wide valley. There was the sound of wood echoing with a thunderous crack, and his destination was in sight at the bottom of this descent.
    The park was surrounded by trees, willows to be precise, and they swayed by the whim of even the least assertive breeze. A pathway led off the road, twisted across a steam, and led him right into the action. A dozen or so people were in plain sight, shaking off the rust of their shoulders in an attempt to see if they had anything left. He wondered the same thing as he watched and walked. His introspection was suddenly interrupted.

    'You here for the tryout?'

    He was a short, stocky, twitchy sort of fellow. Young, well groomed, though possessing a smooth face incapable of any facial hair beyond moustache fuzz. His demeanour was intense and intimidating for a stranger.

    'Y...yeah...'
    'Name?'
    'Brinker.'
    'Brinker?' He asked, looking up from a folded paper he had. 'That's... your first name bro?'
    'No my last. I... uh, don't really use my first name much.'

    Within an instant the stranger burst into laughter, poking a spot on his paper repeatedly. It was not a cruel laugh though Brinker felt its insensitivity.

    'Tierra. Tierra Brinker. That's your name? Wow... hah! Sorry I just... I'm guessing you've heard em all, right?'
    'A few, yeah.'
    'How do you say it? *ha-hah* Is it... tie-ra? Or... ti-ara? How about te-ra?'
    'I prefer Brinker, really.'
    'Okay okay, no need to be a good sport about it. *ha hah! ha!* I'm Cole, by the way. One of the administrators of the league. Mostly rules and umpire stuff. Go talk to Sulic over there, big dude in the A's jersey. He'll tell you what you need to know. It's not Teer-ah, eh?'
    'Nice to meet you.' Brinker grumbled, storming away.

For The World To See

    April 14 2014 -- 11:27
    Hey everybody! Things have been pretty rough lately but I'm optimistic it's all about to turn around. Got two job interviews scheduled later this afternoon, one I'm really excited for. Wish me luck friends!
    (&)Rose Carmichael -- 11:31: Good luck! You're a hard worker and any place would be lucky to have you.
    (&)James Vicki -- 14:23: Stay positive. Even if things aren't working your way always remember you're a great player and an even better person.
    (&)Sandy Groshevsnkvy -- 16:04: Sending good vibes your way!
    (&)Joey Novel -- 16:17: Good luck dude!
    (&)Scott R Manning -- 17:39: Cool you fool!

    April 15 2014 -- 9:46
    Thanks everyone. Just got a call back from one job. Not the one I was hoping for but it's a good opportunity nonetheless. Super happy for the support!

    April 21 2014 -- 3:22
    Off to my first training shift at the new job. Cash is getting tight so this is coming at the perfect time. Here's to a new and better future!
    (&)George Sharms -- 3:28: Knock em dead
    (&)Joey Novel -- 5:44: Yeah dude! You'll do great.

    April 26 2014 -- 23:21
    New job is interesting. Free meals and the food is great. Co-workers are pretty harsh though, aggressive like. I'm the new one aboard I guess. Anyhow I'm in! Here's to a steady paycheque!
    (&)Rose Carmichael -- 23:54: Glad to hear it's working out. Keep at it.
    (&)Megan Trineus -- 0:16: Free food omg I'm soooo jealous
    (&)A Lostenspac -- 1:43: Bring some of that foodness my way next time. You down for ball this week?

    May 4 2014 -- 22:32
    Spurs looking tough to beat this year.

    May 6 2014 -- 2:11
    Got some crazy co-workers man. Those kitchen kids know how to drink. Waiting for the Queen streetcar but none in sight. Typical.
    (&)Sandy Groshevsnkvy -- 2:53: Literally the worst. I walked once from Church to Dovercourt and none went by. Soooo bad.

    May 10 2014 -- 0:28
    Just got a big talking to from my manager about how I have "too much attention to detail" while I work. Wasn't aware that was a bad thing. But okay. Certain places are weird, I'll adjust.
    (&)Rose Carmichael -- 0:44: It's strange sure but every work environment is different so just go with it.

    May 12 2014 -- 1:33
    Love to see the Raps grab a guy like Luis Scola if he ever became available. Crafty old man game

    May 12 2014 -- 8:42
    Come on Pacers. Some one's gotta stop Miami and the LeBrons.

    May 16 2014 -- 2:11
    Apparently at work there's a beer rep coming in and we get to try new crazy beers. Think I'll be showing up extra early today!

    May 16 2014 -- 11:37
    Got screamed at, same manager as before. I took a minute to step outside when we weren't busy for some fresh air. He followed me out. There wasn't a single person in the damn place.
    (&)George Sharms -- 11:50: Seems excessive. Don't let it get to ya
    (&)Joey Novel -- 0:04: Sorry to hear that dude!
    (&)Rose Carmichael -- 0:06: He's the boss so what he says goes. Sorry to be the reality shock here but you should check with your supervisor anytime you need to step out.

    May 19 2014 -- 13:05
    My stomach feels like it was hit by a photon torpedo. Twisting in bed. Called in sick.

    May 20 2014 -- 11:52
    Not feeling better. Called in sick again. Might have to visit doctor.
    (&)Amanda Newton -- 12:32: Oh no. Hope everything's okay!!! :(

    May 22 2014 -- 9:41
    Way better today, won't need the Doc! Thankfully I got my shift covered tonight so I get one more day to recover. Perfect day to take it easy.

    May 23 2014 -- 23:50
    First night back at work after that flu. Staff giving me weird looks, ignoring my hellos. Maybe next time I pull myself together and work through it ha ha ha.

    June 5 2014 -- 10:44
    Blue Jays keep rolling baby!
    (&)Sandy Groshevsnkvy -- 11:04: Catch a game soon?

    June 7 2014 -- 11:34
    Juan Francisco couldn't hit a beachball if it spun around his ankles.

    June 17 2014 -- 3:11
    Late to the party here but so glad the Spurs wiped out the LeBrons and took the title. That was some beautiful ball to watch.

    June 22 2014 -- 23:55
    So glad to be home. Need sleep. Long sleep.

    June 24 2014 -- 10:55
    I don't get this place. I chat with a dude coming in who I know and get a "pulled aside" moment. Really? This isn't fun to begin with, plus I have six times the experience of your A-game bartender. Can I even talk about this or is that an no-no?

    July 2 2014 -- 3:42
    Here we go again, same shit as every other day
    (&)George Sharms -- 3:52: Where you been recently? You hardly update anymore.
    (&)Kylie Adelman -- 5:53: :( :( :(
   
    July 3 2014 -- 0:14
    More criticism, more shouting. Would it hurt these people so much to say a kind word once in a while? I'm doing the best I can.
    (&)Rose Carmichael -- 0:32: It doesn't sound like you have a very good attitude.
    July 5 2014 -- 2:21
    Back to hell. Maybe I should just quit. I dunno.

    July 6 2014 -- 3:11
    Checl out this sweete video froma buddy of mibe. So good
    (&)George Sharms -- 3:42: That's pretty rad! hope youre all right
    (&)Amanda Newton -- 7:54: Talented!

    July 9 2014 -- 0:11
    I got written up for arriving three minutes BEFORE the start of my shift. Seriously. Industry people? This is nuts or am I nuts?
    (&)Kylie Adelman -- 0:33: I once got fired for taking a smoke break! It was an elementary school but still terrible! :( :( :(
    (&)Joey Novel -- 2:12: sucks dude
    (&)Alex R Richmond -- 2:44: Bogus! Go to the labouror board wit that one
    (&)Rose Carmichael -- 2:57: Being 15 minutes early is industry standard. Leave earlier next time.
    July 11 2014 -- 2:32
    Monster---put-in!!!!! Walllllllettttt...

    July 12 2014 -- 1:40
    I likelate at night. Get home frm the shit and chill and forgoet tomorrows a nother day

    July 12 2014 -- 13:11
    Geez my head hurts

    July 17 2014 -- 11:44
    I'm starting to feel really weird sometimes. I had a moment a few days ago at work where it was like something was compressing me and I couldn't control my energy. Never felt anything like it
    (&)Joey Novel -- 11:58: Damn dude hope you're okay!
   
    July 21 2014 -- 3:31
    That weird feeling is starting to hit me before work now. I don't like it but I need the money and it's really not that bad? Gotta stick it through. Things could be worse
    (&)Sandy Groshevsnkvy -- 5:03: Maybe go see a doctor? That doesn't sound normal.
    (&)Amanda Newton -- 6:32: Try some green tea in the morning. That always used to cure my anxious feelings
    July 25 2014 -- 10:21
    Had a full blown something tonight. Had to hide in the back until I stopped shaking. Got pissed on for taking a break though the place was empty. There must be something better.

    July 28 2014 -- 18:46
    Another attack on the job. I went to my manager to give my notice but couldn't get the words out, sat outside for an hour instead and walked home. I wonder if they thought I was faking.

    July 29 2014 -- 11:32
    Got fired. No specific reason given.
    (&)George Sharms -- 12:53: Those shitheads. You're better than them
    (&)Joey Novel -- 13:28: Damn dude!
    (&)Rose Carmichael -- 14:20: What happened to you. You used to be better than that.

    August 3 2014 -- 10:32
    Got a few things lined up this week so fingers crossed. About time some luck went my way.
    (&)Joey Novel -- 14:30: Good luck your way dude!
    August 10 2014 -- 16:34
    Still nothing. I nailed those interviews, I don't get it

    August 10 2014 -- 23:58
    Screw em all! I'm no needno job yo justify myself!

    August 13 2014 -- 9:32
    Found out my application for a student loan was declined, just because I've used EI within the last 12 months. Heaven forbid a student live on their own and have to pay rent.
    (&)Amanda Newton -- 10:37: Have you tried applying for a bursary? It's better than nothing
    August 17 2014 -- 18:53
    Why can't you people realize I have no money??? So stop inviting me to things! It just stings at this point

    August 21 2014 -- 7:36
    That same feeling keeps hitting me. I thought getting out of that shithole job would help but it's coming back. Not that any of you care. Why would you
    (&)Amanda Newton -- 9:35: I care. Meet for lunch soon to talk it over?

    August 24 2014 -- 17:54
    A good day, Guess I was due.
    (&)Amanda Newton -- 18:44: :) :)
    August 29 2014 -- 11:46
    Gotta find some kinda work soon. I can barely afford rent this month.

    September 2 2014 -- 16:44
    Goddamn Blue Jays. You're on thin ice, Gibbons
    (&)Marcus Deshaines -- 18:03: He's the worst. Jays will never win a thing with him in charge
    September 5 2014 -- 17:32
    What's the point of even looking for work. The only things that want me are the things I hate.

    September 8 2014 -- 20:32
    Who would want to hire me anyway. It's hard enough with this scary feeling and getting out of bed in the morning.
    (&)Amanda Newton -- 22:07: Don't think like that. Please don't.

    September 10 2014 -- 3:51
    It'd be easier if I was a junkie

    September 10 2014 -- 4:14
    Maybe I should look into that. Couldn't make things worse
    (&)George Sharms -- 8:03: dude what are you even talking about.

    September 10 2014 -- 19:36
    Spent all afternoon by the beach. Guess I was hoping the water would tell me what to do but no. It does its work but even it can't work miracles.

    September 13 2014 -- 14:32
    Supposed to go to a job interview today but stayed in bed. It was probably a shit job anyway.

    September 18 2014 -- 2:46
    What a night. Spent more money than I shoulda but it was great to see Jonesy again. If I'm goin down might as well go down in style.
    (&)Rupert Jones -- 3:42: Yeah buddy great night!

    September 20 2014 -- 7:32
    I think they shut off the lights. Took em long enough

    September 22 2014 -- 14:20
    Life is almost better in the darkness. In the dark, you can't see the horrible mess you've made of things

    September 25 2014 -- 19:42
    Only six days til I get evicted and live on the streets. No money, no prospects and I've pissed away any sign of hope. I wouldn't feel so bad if that damned tight nervous feeling inside of me would go away. Just give me some peace, please
    (&)Joey Novel -- 21:04: It'll be okay dude!
    (&)Sandy Groshevsnkvy -- 22:11: You wanna talk or something?

    September 27 2014 -- 23:11
    The stars are really nice around here. I'm gonna miss this view.
    (&)Kylie Adelman -- 2:02: Why why??? are you moving??? ;) ;)

    September 28 2014 -- 5:22
    Still a dark shithole though. Suits me perfectly

    September 30 2014 -- 12:36
    some days I feel like I'm invincible, like I can conquer the world. Other days I wish for death to hurry up and hit the reset button. Every morning I pray for that inbetween but nothing, only one or the other. The roller coaster ends at only one drop
    (&)Amanda Newton -- 14:03: I'm coming over right now. I'm on my way so let me in. Please
 
    **This Account Has Been Deactivated** 


   
 

The 70

    Darpenter's bicycle hit a severe pothole in the road that knocked the gentle daydream out of his head. He had been imagining the most recent time he had spoken to his dearest friend on the phone, wondering if that was a life and appearance more chaotic than his own.
    The number 70 bus zoomed past him, rumbling northward to an obscure section of the city. Darpenter was glad it was gone, it being just another obstruction towards his own destination not as far away. Three more traffic lights and he would be there, yet such distance seemed an eternity upon a bicycle determined to slow the journey to a jog. His bike was an accident constantly waiting to happen: his wheels wobbled defiantly and his brakes did not respond to any firm grip. With the frequency that he rode Darpenter knew it was "when", not "if", that his bicycle would lead him into catastrophe. He thought of it as a certainty and nothing more.
   

No Other Witnesses

'There's no other witnesses, just us two.'

With such an unintelligible statement, I knew once again I was on my own to solve this mystery. From the chalk outline of the body, I noticed a pattern of large dark footprints along the carpet, ending exactly in the middle of the wall. A rope dangled from the ceiling, far too high for anyone to reach. I rubbed my forehead and leaned into the rest of the room like an ostrich needing a chiropractor.

'Poor James was just here. Now he's gone. He must be somewhere else.'

The ceiling lights shone conveniently on my partner, a tiny man wearing a sweater and jeans much too baggy for him. He was hiding in the corner, like he was the first ever chameleon-human hybrid. He tried to make himself look more comfortable, but his body language screamed that he wasn't supposed to be here.

'I wasn't supposed to be here.' He repeated the words, nibbling his nails once spoken.

Naturally I wasn't interested in the happenstance, much more in the happenings. I asked for his memory and he remembered as much as the table: the lights went out, there was a scream, and when they came back on there was Poor James, dead. In the ashtray by his chair was an unfamiliar cigarette, not the brand smoked by my old departed friend. I wandered outside onto the lawn, where I was certain to find his daughter. She was smoking and shooing away police officers, so I went off to meet her, leaving my jacket by the front door. Tall, dark haired, shiny legs and eyes that sent lasers through your soul. She watched me as I approached and I went in shields up.

'Eve. Good to see you.'

She did not smile at this and inhaled her cigarette. It was the same brand I'd seen in the ashtray.

'What do you want, Ruby. My father just died.'
'You don't seem so hung up on it.'

With a sneer, she blew smoke in my direction. I merely smiled and took a sip of my tea, kept warm in my trusty flask.

'Who left those footprints in the hallway?'

I wondered if she was about to spit at me, until her face lost its aggressive sharpness and precipitation formed in her eyes. She showed me the bottom of her shoes, caked with sand and thus not the ones that had made the incriminating marks.
 
'Did you guys see the murder? No? You? No? Okay. So.. hum. Did you guys see anything?'

I tried to forget how the department had paired me with such a slug for a partner. As a mental habit, it was easily done. I turned my attention back to the daughter, smiling at her once again. She threw her smoke away, looked in my eyes, and lit up another one. Her inhales were more deliberate than before.

'Is there a basketball team that plays nearby?'

She stared at me long and hard. Confusion, a perfect elixir for spilling truth.

'There's a pickup league. Why? You think can play?'

I grinned at her quip and mentioned the need for a jacket on such a chilly night before exiting. She watched me the whole way. I returned to the dining room, the scene of the crime. My partner followed me.

'Hey, you think it was a giant chocolate ice-cream man that committed the murder? It would make sense, what with the footprints and all. Yeah, that's obviously it. Wait, lemme start writing that down...'

I looked in the main floor closet for gym shorts. There was one enormous pair atop an old wooden chest, large enough to fit Patrick Patterson but with a stench of several abandoned farmer's markets. Still damp. Also interestingly, the fitness ensemble was consistent with the colours red and white: the shorts, workout shirt, headbands and socks. But no shoes. As far as footwear went there were only brown boots in this closet. There was nothing more for me in here.

'This is a real mind bender. Hey you want some grub, partner? The blue boys just came back from Cosmos Grill for some burgers. Ya know, help you think?'

I shooed him away and returned to the scene of the crime. The body was long removed but the footprints remained, ending exactly where the wall began. I contemplated the possibilities: secret passage? No, there would be an indentation on the wall somewhere but it was perfectly smooth. Trapdoor below? Same thing, the carpet stuck to the floor like glue, it hadn't moved since Lester Pearson was around. There was only one other direction. I looked up, and saw that tiny rope still dangling innocently from the ceiling. It was much too high for me so I moved a chair over as a step, went up and grabbed the rope. A latch in the ceiling gave way and a ladder spilled down into my hands.

'Mmmm, bacon cheese... hey? Where'd that come from?'

With my weaker hand I climbed up the ladder, my stronger hand caressing the pistol in my pocket. It was dark so I slipped in as quietly as possible, ducking behind a crate just as some commotion started around me. Long, large footsteps vibrated towards my direction and I had my pistol ready, in case of the worst. The vibration stopped, apparently confused, and pulled the latch closed again. I heard a complaint about stupid old houses and I emerged, a flashlight in one hand and my pistol in the other.

'It's over. We've got you.'

He turned and looked down at me in the artificial handheld light, and I do mean looked down. This was a giant of a man, ducking under the ceiling of this attic with extreme discomfort. His shoes were covered in mud but beneath the grime I could identify that they were red and white. He scowled at me but obeyed when I ordered him to reopen the secret door. I went down first, beckoning him to follow, while four constables stared up at me in surprise. The chief arrived just as my large friend touched the floor and was put in five pairs of handcuffs.

'Well done, apprehending this clever villain. The moment we left the scene he would've surely fled and never been seen again. Sorry to say the daughter escaped once our boys moved inside, but we've got a bulletin out on her. Excellent work Blarnt, Ruby. A commendation to both of you.'
'Aw, tanks cheef!' My partner mumbled through a mouthful of processed cheese.

I stood aside and watched the boys carry this giant away. He shot me a look like we'd meet again some day. I was certain we would.

The House On Maple Street

It was a perfect liftoff. Everything checks out, your velocity is steady. Congratulations, the launch was a success. 

It had been a long, pain staking process, but the Burdick residence had earned the distinction of being space-worthy and there had been no option to go but up. The house was successfully zipping past Mars when mission control popped in with another check:

Your speed is greater than calculated in simulations, but integrity readings are within acceptable levels. All of us here in Houston are just... well we're in awe of what we're seeing up here on the big board. Doctor Burdick, your work has inspired many of us down here. The advances in rocket technology cannot even be fathomed yet. We hope you're all doing all right up there. Send the signal if so.

218 Maple Street had been the home of the Burdick family for just over ten years. It was a square but pointy house, particularly on the upper level, where two third story windows poked out behind a steep wind resistant roof. For nearly a decade the basement had been slowly transformed into a giant engine, slowly gaining fuel, energy and the material for combustion. When the time finally came for launch, everything on the Periodic Table that happened to be lying around was thrown into the mouth of the engine. It reacted powerfully, and up the house went into the sky.

Check in, check check. We haven't received a visual report in a while. Our telemetry indicates you're just zipping past the rings of Saturn and we'd like to request a visual if possible. Please check in, requesting a visual of Saturn rings, over.

The house tore through cold empty space with unrecorded speed. Around Neptune a gravitational pull made it spin off axis and Mission Control for a moment ordered the Burdick home to abort the mission. The unexpected gravity thrust the house further away from the sun's orbit, unexpectedly, and it flew past The Dwarf Formerly Known As Planet Pluto within an hour. This was well beyond the boundaries of the mission, but the house kept on speeding away.

Doctor Burdick, we are losing contact. You are passing the boundaries of our communication. Abort. Repeat, Doctor Burdick, we are losing contact. Abort the mission and return to Earth. We can only monitor your progress and send messages for another------------------

Into a solar system with planets unknown to anyone of the Sol System, an odd spacecraft entered with atypical navigation. The strange craft lost flight and fell into the fourth planet, surviving the entry into atmosphere thanks to smart engineering, and landed in the middle of some farmland right next to an ocean. The locals came out to see this bizarre visitor, with the strange pointed roof that had smashed into their tall blue honeyfields. The front door of the house opened... and nothing was ever the same.  

Life In 3265

The time is 8:45. 8:45 is the pre-determined time of waking. Waking will commence.

'Mmmmmmnnnnn. Nnnnnnn.'

8:45 is the pre-determined time of waking. Secondary waking measures will commence.

'Mmmmnnn.... Nnnnnuh? Uh! Nnnnn! Loud! Nnnnn! Stop! Stop! Enough!'

Waking successful.

Dirty clothes are located to the right of the resting chamber. The option for fresh clothing is available.

...

Fresh clothing selected. Host will relocate to the re-dressing zone in seventeen seconds.

'Ughhh, dark. Can't see.'

Increasing illumination. Host now within re-dressing zone. Re-dressing now in progress.

'No, not the red ones again. I swear I have better taste than you.'

Host opinion disregarded. Morning meal now ready for consumption. Materializing in Port H.

...

Physical Nutrients consumed. UniNet connection loading, awaiting host integration within one hundred seconds.

'Can't even walk in these things. Red. Huh.'

Host in position for network upload. Beginning external diagnostics, preparing for integration.

'Never get used to this part, no matter how many RGGGGAAAHHHH!!!!'

Host integration successful, thought patterns joining Harmony. External implant activating 'Dormant' mode. Initialize. Transfer in progress.

The old world was hard to let go of for many people, particularly the ones who had once walked atop her sweet surface. Many of them wanted to preserve it somehow, and well intentioned preservation easily turns into re-creation, and re-creation easily turns into simulation, and simulation easily blurs into reality. Everyday I walk the streets of Old Earth, or at least what remains of our collective memory of the place. It gaps and fades and I suspect mixes together inaccurately, like men with sheriffs badges who ride into the Sky Cities on horses, waving a spear at everybody. The disaster, so long ago that clarity is impossible amongst these washed minds, must've changed us. Was that old world really worth the fantasy? Was it more genuine than a blue flower gaining pixelation? Maybe we've always been this way, who can know. I walk down the streets of Old Earth and sometimes I'm myself, but most other times I'm everybody else. The streets are all the same and they never change, the squares of the clouds above constantly shifting resolution and the smell is always of dried paint. No sound, like my ears don't work anymore. What is sound (?) everything I hear is already inside my mind. Mind, engaging. Sights, sounds, smells, in unison. Old world, old place, old wonders, true home. Home. Home. Home.

Thought patterns aligned with Harmony. Host conscious transferred to UniNet platform. Expected time of disengagement: fifty thousand six hundred and twenty four seconds. Decreasing illumination.  

Gristmill Lane

The door closed behind me and I was alone on the street. In my pockets were three dollars in quarters, my broken digital watch, two expired coupons for Diamond Burger and the folded letter you had written me only an hour before.
I decided to embrace this current aloneness and take a slow stroll down the laneway. My boots clicked along the black brick road as I walked, wondering what was freedom or exile and if this was it, whatever it was. I peeked into an open window and watched a young family carry along their evening: the little son fiddling with lego blocks, the taller daughter brushing the hair of her blonde doll, a dog and a cat resting by the fireplace and the husband and wife lying together on a chesterfield drinking root beers with marshmellows. I giggled and continued on my slow way, careful not to look at any other fantasies through these windows.
My attention slipped back to your letter in my pocket which I still had not read. The laneway was nearing the end and I could see the noise and traffic of the real world ahead. I pulled out the letter, dropping my watch onto the brick road, and read aloud:

    Here is only what you make of it.

    The letter slipped from my fingers and blew away in a breeze from the way I came. I reached the end of the lane and the noise and traffic filled my mind again until there was nothing else. Tapping my stomach, I wondered if Diamond Burger was still open.