\n
\n
Jack slammed the door and ran out into the icy cold evening. She threw him out. It was over. Jack wanted to cry, but he couldn\u2019t let his emotions take over him. He needed to find a place to stay.<\/p>\n
\tThe motel was cheap and he couldn\u2019t drive any longer anyway.<\/p>\n
\n
The next morning, Jack\u2019s head was throbbing with pain. He took two aspirins and showered. As he walked back into the bedroom, the doorbell rang and shocked him. He ran to the door.<\/p>\n
\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Jack exclaimed angrily. Then he realized who was in front of him.<\/p>\n
\n
The police officer eyed Jack up and down. He apologized awkwardly. \u201cUm… can I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
\u201cSir, is Nelly Miller your fianc\u00e9e?\u201d the officer asked in a serious voice.<\/p>\n
\n
For a moment, Jack was confused, but then he answered, \u201cYes. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
When the officer gave him a serious look, Jack\u2019s heart sank. He knew something was wrong.<\/p>\n
\n
\u201cCan I come in? I think we should sit down for this conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
—<\/p>\n
\n
Jack cried seeing his fianc\u00e9e’s coffin lowered into the grave. He remembered everything from the last few days\u2026 from the fight to the news of Nelly\u2019s death. It seemed like a dream \u2013 or more like a nightmare. If only he could go back in time and not start that stupid fight. Then Nelly wouldn’t have to drive to her mother’s house angry. That truck wouldn’t have to crash into her car. They could solve their problems and get married like planned. This was his fault.<\/p>\n
As Jack was leaving the funeral, he noticed a strange man there. Jack knew this wasn\u2019t Nelly\u2019s friend or relative.<\/p>\n
\n
\u201cJack Parker?\u201d the man asked, smiling.<\/p>\n
\n
\u201cYes. Who\u2019s asking?\u201d Jack replied suspiciously.<\/p>\n
\n
\u201cRussel Howard,\u201d the man answered in a calm voice. \u201cI work for the Vita Nova Corporation. We create virtual reality solutions to help grieving families. I have a special offer that we could discuss.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jack stared. Deep inside, he felt very uncomfortable. However, he was curious about the man’s words. Well, a conversation never hurt anyone, thought Jack. He took the man\u2019s number and left home filled with new hope.<\/p>\n
\n
—<\/p>\n
\u201cAlright\u2026 let\u2019s see,\u201d Russel said while typing codes into the brand-new phone. It was large and so clear Jack could see his exhausted reflection.<\/p>\n
\n
\u201cAll done!\u201d Russel exclaimed.<\/p>\n
\n
\u201cThe Vita Nova app is quite simple to use. You just follow the instructions on the screen to choose your conversation topic. Then, you start talking. The app will do the rest.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
Jack was anxious but Russel\u2019s voice was comforting. \u201cDo you want to try it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
Jack pressed the large START circle on the screen. Clearing his throat, he thought: it’s now or never.<\/p>\n
\n
\u201cNelly?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
His voice was so shaky. Everything was quiet. Jack thought that the device didn’t recognize him. Secretly, he hoped it didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n
\n
Then, a familiar voice was heard.<\/p>\n
\n
\u201cJack, is that you? I\u2019m so happy to talk to you again!\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
Jack was so shocked he almost fell off his chair. Russel had told him what would happen. They’d even rehearsed this. But hearing Nelly\u2019s sweet voice again was just\u2026 too real.<\/p>\n
\n
\u201cJack, sweetheart, are you still there? Please, don\u2019t let me lose you again\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
Jack jumped up immediately, \u201cNelly, don\u2019t ever say or think that. I love you so much. I promise I will always be by your side.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
\u201cOh Jack, there is nothing I wanted to hear more!\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
Jack could actually hear sobbing in Nelly\u2019s voice. He couldn\u2019t believe how real the simulation seemed.<\/p>\n
\n
Then, without a warning, the app was shut down. Jack panicked, but in that moment, Russel came to him. He was still smiling annoyingly. Jack felt confused.<\/p>\n
\n
\u201cI\u2019m afraid we have to take care of some formal things before I allow you to continue,\u201d Russel explained and pulled out a thick contract from his briefcase.<\/p>\n
\n
\u201cAll the details are in here, but I\u2019m going to explain our main conditions. You just used the trial version of the Vita Nova app. To enjoy the full experience, you have to renew your license every month.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
Jack flipped through the pages and felt overwhelmed. He just wanted to hear Nelly\u2019s voice again. That was his only obsession.<\/p>\n
\n
\u201cJust tell me the price.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
Russel looked a little surprised by Jack\u2019s enthusiasm but he pointed his finger at the final price. Jack immediately signed the contract and Russel reactivated the app.<\/p>\n
\n
\u201cJack, are you there?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
Without even saying goodbye, Jack ran back to the voice simulation. Russel understood he was no longer wanted and left, smiling happily. This app would transform the future of his company, he just knew it.<\/p>\n
\n
—<\/p>\n
\n
A loud honk startled Jack.<\/p>\n
\n
\u201cWatch where you\u2019re going!\u201d an irritated voice exclaimed as the car drove away. Jack ran across the street as fast as he could, protecting the precious device.<\/p>\n
\n
\u201cJack, are you okay?\u201d Nelly\u2019s voice asked worriedly.<\/p>\n
\n
\u201cOf course, honey, don\u2019t worry. I\u2019m still here,\u201d Jack answered. He walked to his tent, in an alley behind a dumpster. He sat down and pressed on the large button on the bright screen: DISCUSS PAST MEMORIES. Then, the voice changed the topic.<\/p>\n
\n
\u201cHey, Jack, do you remember that romantic weekend we spent in Rome?\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
Jack\u2019s eyes welled up with tears. He looked around while Nelly\u2019s simulation talked. Everyone around him was living in same worn out tents, holding the same device in their hands, smiling at the realistic voices coming out of them. Some were hearing their children, while for others, it was lost lovers, grandparents, friends\u2026 suddenly, Jack wondered how his live would now be if he\u2019d never met Russel.<\/p>\n
\n
There was a loud ding and Nelly stopped talking. Jack looked at the screen in panic, then calmed down when he realized what the text said: \u201cPlease confirm your next monthly payment to continue using Vita Nova.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
Immediately, Jack clicked on the large ACCEPT button and continued his life in the simulated past.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
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