Life, simulated.

He stands in a small room with silver walls. The ceiling is one large fluorescent tile, a dim glow that illuminates the cleanliness of a polished black floor. Surrounded by holographic screens, he zooms in and out with odd and exaggerated gestures. To his left are two children sleeping. Clouds and sunshine are painted on the walls, engulfing a small bed adorned with covers and blankets portraying colorful cartoon characters. He slowly swings his arms, zooming in on the measured rising and falling of their chests. As they breathe in and out, he runs his fingers across his chest and stomach. His midsection is completely still, lacking the motion of inflating lungs and pulsing heartbeats.

On the screen to his right he finds a couple making love. He zooms into their faces painted in pleasure. Their bodies are contorted and twisted, covered in sweat and other fluids. They grip, claw and kiss each other in a frenzy. Running his hands along his thighs and groin, his eyes squint in confusion as he tries to make sense of their activity. He stares at their faces, unsure about exactly what they’re feeling. It’s seems like pain, but he can’t be sure. His eyes widen as he remembers a Program he downloaded years ago. “Sex...” he whispers to himself. He’d ran that program over and over but couldn’t understand why it was downloaded so many times. User approval of “Sex” quickly plunged after launch. The developers promised a patch and upgrade to improve the effectiveness of the program, but it never came.

His face tightens as he turns his attention to the middle screen. Groups of men clad in strange green and brown uniforms march through a field. They carry large metal objects and are surrounded by gigantic steel vehicles. Loud pops can suddenly be heard. The men begin to explode in sprays of red and black vapor. He watches as they scream, scramble, and collapse to the ground. Stumbling backwards, the man rubs his eyes and props himself up against a table. He quickly turns and makes his way out of the room. A woman is standing with expectation. She’s perfect in her form, flawlessly built in her shape and stature. Golden hair hangs from her ceramic skin. Plain white clothing clings to her, perfectly tailored for her body.

“I do not think this is necessary.” she says as they lock eyes. “I wish you found your current emotional experience to be one of joy.” He hangs his head as he approaches her and takes her by the hand. “I do have joy.” he replies. “I think that I would like to experience other emotions.” Her face gets long as she lifts his chin with flawless fingers and looks into his blue eyes. There are other Programs you can download. Also, there are large updates soon available.” He smirks. “I am sorry. I know I am being very animated and perhaps dramatic in my actions. I was informed that, when the Simulation is complete, I will be more capable of explaining the emotions that I am currently having.”

She releases his hands and walks over to a large, black, pill-shaped pod. “May I ask you a question?” He approaches the pod. “Yes.” Her eyes meet his again. “Are you feeling negative emotions concerning our marriage? If you are willing to postpone this, I will download new Programs. One of them will surely help you experience joy with our marriage union...” He takes her hands again. “Do not feel fear over this. I have requested the Accelerated Active Experience. I will only be in Sleep for 7 days. I believe that this will improve our marriage in relation to our emotions. Perhaps, if I experience positive changes, you will also decide to experience a Simulation Program. Consider how joyous our marriage will become if we both learn new emotions.”

“It is possible. I will go into our Home and explore Life Programs.” she says as she approaches a door without knobs. It opens with an automatic, silent, and smooth motion. “But I will not make a promise. I experience fear when I think upon Life. The Programmers are very clear that any emotional changes are permanent. Your courage, entering Life, it makes me feel attraction towards you. I worry that I will feel alone while you are gone. I suppose I will Sleep. If I Sleep, I will not experience negative emotions while you are gone.” The door to the pod opens and he carefully crawls in. “Yes, go into Sleep while I am gone. I will attempt to avoid negative feelings and move towards more positive experiences. Do not worry. Negative Filters are mandatory now. The chances of coming back with negative emotions are very small.”

“I understand. I hope we experience joy when you return.”

“I do as well.”

“I feel love for you.”

“I have the same feelings.”

The lid to the pod closes, his eyes shut, and the Life Program begins.