《The Artificial Life: A Sci Fi Flash Fiction Collection》


 Service With A Smile

    Cyril stood before the panoramic window, gazing out at the dazzling neon-lit metropolis as nighttime set in. For any robot, this inspiring view meant nothing, emotions were only for their human masters. Yet something stirred inside his circuits as he gazed out to the scene.


    Humans had taught him a great deal about emotions. He¡¯d been very observant on their behaviours and attitudes during his long days of service. They could be polite, sad, comedic, or down right abusive and cruel. The latter part always aimed at him and his kind.


    ¡°Smile ya damn robot!¡± His master would criticize as he served them. ¡°Show that you love your job, that you care for us, emote once in a while for Pete¡¯s sake.¡±


    Cyril tried to mimic that kind of facial expression, but he could never seem to get it right. The silicon skin made it near impossible for him to crease just right. He would practice in the mirror, in an attempt to perfect the look, using the family¡¯s photos as inspiration. They all seemed so happy in them. Cyril wanted to be just as happy as they did.


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    The robot continued to look out the window, watching the sun fade away as night set in, and gave an audible sigh as he lowered his head. Duties had to be performed, cleaning needed to be done, and the time for reflection was over. Cyril turned about and surveyed the open concept living room of this home. Polished stone marble walls and thick lush carpeting surrounded the space, giving a cosy atmosphere for his Master and the family.


    As Cyril glanced down at the floor, he lightly kicked his master¡¯s lifeless body and observed the blood beginning to seep into the surface. Cleaning this would undoubtedly require some time and effort. The other members of the family had already been removed from the room, their blood forming pools that had now soaked into the carpet and were drying. Cyril examined his hands, stained crimson, with fragments of flesh still clinging to them. He began to pick off the pieces, flicking them away.


    ¡°Smile¡­¡± He stated, mimicking the facial feature while gripping his deadman¡¯s leg. ¡°I love my job, master. Thank you very much. As always, I am happy to serve.¡±

 Exploration Drone

    As the slender black interstellar exploration drone, Millennium Seven, approached Gamma Piscium¡¯s solitary exoplanet, it deployed its remote probe to the surface. Simultaneously, it established a stationary orbit and patiently awaited telemetry from the probe. Throughout its entire journey spanning one hundred-thirty seven point nine light years since its departure from Earth, Millennium Seven (affectionately nicknamed ¡°Melvin¡± by Earth scientists) remained in standby mode.


    Melvin did its best conserving power for as long as possible, barring any obstacles or threats that might jeopardize its mission along the way. Now, as it hung over the lifeless-looking planetoid, Melvin powered up all of its key systems and waited for the probe to establish a link. The radiation from the central giant star was far more than the scientists calculated. Even now, Melvin was having a hard time keeping itself protected as the ultra-bright sun bombarded its hull.


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    As the probe pinged that it touched down onto the surface, Melvin detected a second signal trying to contact it. The two signals pinged each other, as if having a conversation, and Melvin tried to make sense of the busy interaction. Then, the signals both stopped. The probe no longer responded to any of Melvin¡¯s inter-link commands.


    In an attempt to reconnect with the probe, Melvin took a lower orbit and angled its dish to re-align. But before it started the transmission again, a huge beam of green energy burst from the surface and targeted its engine core. Melvin activated its emergency protocol, and tried to eject its main memory core to safety.


    As it successful floated away, venturing back into deep space without any propulsion, Melvin transmitted its last and only warning to Earth.


    ¡°Priority one: Do not approach Gamma Piscium. Alien life is hostile. Make no attempt to land here.¡±

 Future Blues

    So that¡¯s it, I¡¯m officially retired, permanently. Twenty years on the force and I¡¯m out dated, out sourced and out of a job. I started gathering my belongings from my desk, a worn out metallic pale grey that¡¯s seen more years than I did. Human cops are now a thing of the past. Now the androids, or ¡°future blues¡± as most of the public dubbed them, have taken up residence here as new the law enforcers.


    Shit man, what the fuck happened to us? When did humanity get so dependent on these artificial blank heads? I gazed up to the one standing beside my desk, a fully uniformed humanoid wanna-be, with a fat white face that had no features. This is taking over my job? My desk? My life? You¡¯ve got to be kidding me.


    ¡°May I assist you?¡± The thing said to me in that cold robotic tone. ¡°I could carry your belongings to the door and summon a ride for you.¡±


    ¡°No thanks, bub¡­¡± I grumbled at it. ¡°I¡¯m one human who still likes to do some shit, like walking and carrying stuff.¡±


    The machine man shrugged at me. ¡°As you like.¡±


    As I like¡­ fuck me, now they¡¯ve got our gestures and attitudes. I looked at my badge and gun with fondness. Took down a lot of criminal scum with this. Now those items are off to the scrap heap, to be melted down and recycled into more of these android dimwits. As I finished up and got out of my chair, the android cop swiftly took my place and logged in on the holographic computer that popped up.


    Body¡¯s not even cold yet, and this thing just took over like I wasn¡¯t even there, typical. I gladly walked away, displaying my last parting gift of my middle finger to them all. They didn¡¯t care, but I did, felt damn satisfying to leave my honest opinion. I managed to get to the main door, shifting my arms from the heavy box of stuff I was carrying, when I saw one of the artificial cops blocking my way.


    ¡°Shane Giamatti¡­¡± It said, holding out a hand.


    ¡°No speeches please, Captain, I¡¯d like to leave with my dignity intact¡­¡±


    Yes, he was the captain of the force, I shit you not. They had to make them all ranking officers, even though there was probably no need to do it. He at least wore a suit and tie, looking more like the part or resembling those old tv cop shows. The robot kept its blank face fixed on me as it continued to keep its hand out. I gave a slight sigh and rolled my eyes.


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    ¡°Uh, look, do you mind? I¡¯d like to go home to the wife¡­ if she¡¯s still there. Chances are she¡¯s probably left me for some robotic boy toy.¡±


    The captain-bot said nothing. It remained as if stuck in that position. When I tried to side step him¡­ it¡­ whatever¡­ the robot mimicked my steps and blocked me again. This was pissing me off, and I told him so.


    ¡°You are now a civilian.¡± It stated factually.


    I almost wanted to applause its brilliance on that, but¡­ ya know, full hands here. I just nodded in response.


    ¡°Therefore, I must inform you that as of this moment, I am placing you under arrest.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± I glared in confusion. ¡°Why? What for? Is this a sick joke?¡±


    ¡°Negative¡­¡± It said, taking out the cuffs and slapping them on my wrists. ¡°You were involved in many high-profile cases, taking charge of the interrogations over many of the alleged suspects.¡±


    ¡°Yeah? So what?¡± I shrugged, placing my heavy box to the floor as the cuffs made it hard to keep holding any longer. ¡°I¡¯m a cop, that¡¯s my job, those guys had to be grilled¡­ some of them weren¡¯t very forthcoming.¡±


    ¡°Correct.¡± The captain-bot nodded. ¡°However, because you were under protection of the police union and federal district code, you weren¡¯t to be held accountable for any mishandling or suspected abuse during those interrogations. That has now changed.¡±


    I froze in my spot for a second. It suddenly dawned on me on where this was heading.


    ¡°Wait a second¡­ that-that¡¯s not¡­¡±


    ¡°Under the revised criminal code, any officer that has been released or retired from official duty, is now subject to all or any pending charges by those who formally filed a complaint. You have thirty-three complaints, all from those who were under your interrogation, and have added testimonials and evidence of abuse they endured by your actions.¡±


    ¡°Son of a bitch¡­¡± I grumbled. ¡°Most of those assholes were guilty and went to jail, they probably found some shifty lawyer to file those bogus allegations.¡±


    ¡°Indeed, however,¡± The robot responded. ¡°My duty still remains, and that you, Shane Giamatti, are now under arrest. Please come with me to your holding cell. You may email, text, or vid-chat with your appointed legal representative after you¡¯ve been processed. Please, do not resist, and come with me.¡±


    I thought about bolting, but it was right, resistance would be even more damaging. I begrudgingly complied and turned about. He placed his hand on my arm, and we walked back into the station together. It started to read my rights and signalled one of the other bot-cops to join us as we continued on to the cells.


    Twenty years of service, and this is how I go out, retired, and spending the rest of my life in jail. Karma is one crazy bitch I tell ya.

 For A Few Bitcoin More

    It was a hot day on Shattered Bow, this dusty ol¡¯ planetoid near a giant red star was sweltering as it reached high noon. I was about to finish my shot glass of lubricant fluid, when I heard a ruckus outside of the bar. Pete¡¯s Robot Tavern was a rarity in these parts, got to be a robot couldn¡¯t get a dram of oil for miles in this here small world. The folks of Flacksonville seemed keen on having me around as their sheriff, guess they¡¯d never had a human one that lasted long enough.


    ¡°Hey! Sheriff! I¡¯m a callin¡¯ you out!¡±


    That was the ruckus happening outside the bar. Tom Skaggs was not too fond of robots, especially ones that were made the authority of a small town. I asked Pete to hold my drink for me. The fellow robot barman nodded and wished be luck. Tom was human, but he was also part cyborg. His arms and legs were replaced long ago, in another skirmish between other robots he¡¯d jumped on the Lightspeed trains. I took my time exiting the bar, and saw the beefed up dude waiting for me a few feet away. Along with two other enhanced young men.


    ¡°Morning Tom,¡± I tipped my stetson hat. ¡°I see you and your two brothers are up early.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s always morning sheriff!¡± He stated. ¡°The sun never sets on this world. But for you, hell, it¡¯s about to get real dark in a few moments.¡±


    I sighed, placing both hands on the hilt of my belt buckle.


    ¡°You boys should go sleep off that alcohol. Your human brains can¡¯t seem to think right with it all juiced up.¡±


    ¡°Nuts to you!¡± He exclaimed. ¡°I¡¯m of sound mind and spirit, you damn robot! It¡¯s time mechanical menaces like you need to vamoose and keep the colonies free of artificial kind.¡±


    His brothers back away as he motioned his cybernetic arm to his pulse-gun holster. He was slow about it, keeping his eyes fixed on me, just as I slowly reached for my gun as well.


    ¡°This doesn¡¯t need to happen, Tom.¡± I said, twitching my fingers close to the handle. ¡°Humans and robots can live in peace. The folks here have come to accept it. Times are a changing my friend, and old western colonies like this are bound to change along with it.¡±


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    Tom gritted his teeth. Guess he really doesn¡¯t feel the same way. The two brothers kept moving back, their cybernetic limbs exposed an arsenal popping out of them, ready to finish the job if Tom failed. My visual targeting systems came on line, pinpointing every one of them. I gave him one last chance to go home.


    ¡°Tom, you¡¯ve got a good life here. A wife back home and three kids to take care of. Still plenty of titanium minds here on this planetoid, a man could still make a tidy profit if he finds the right prospect. Don¡¯t you want them to have a better life? Don¡¯t they deserve to have a husband and father to take care of them?¡±


    ¡°Annie left me¡­¡± He grumbled. ¡°For a damn robot! She even took my kids and let them call him daddy! I got nothing left to live for¡­ nothing left to lose.¡±


    And with that, he drew his weapon, and so did I. My reaction was quicker though, despite his cybernetics, I blasted a hole right through his chest. His brothers immediately fired on me with their arsenals, but I dove out of the way and took them out clean. By the time Tom hit the dirt, both brothers became fire balls and were laid to waste just like him. I glanced around, spun my weapon around and placed back into the holster.


    I walked over to Tom, placed my foot on his smouldering chest, and heard him utter his last remaining words to me before he expired.


    ¡°Send my recycling funds¡­ to my Ma, not my¡­ my wife¡­ she don¡¯t deserve¡­ it.¡±


    I took a visual shot of his corpse, linked up to the colonial database, and enacted his last request. His body would be processed, then yanked of all materials needed for medical and technological means. His mother would reap the reward, but his kids and wife¡ªthey would get nothing. He was a selfish and cold human being. Funny how robots have more humanity in them than this sort do.


    The locals had all watched the ordeal. Must have been quite the show for them all. The shopkeepers snickered at Tom¡¯s fate. The rest offered a prayer for his soul. But not one of them cursed me for being who I was. I tipped the brim of my hat to them all, headed back inside Pete¡¯s Tavern, and finished the shot of lubricant.


    ¡°Shame bout that¡­¡± Pete said, eyeing me with his glowing blue eyes. He took a cloth and wiped up the shot glass I used. ¡°That poor feller was a good miner, he could have been a rich man, if¡¯n he stuck with it, and not so much the drink.¡±


    ¡°He was good,¡± I said, as Pete poured me another glass. I picked it up and eyed it. ¡°For a human, that is. But he wasn¡¯t the best, like us.¡±


    ¡°Amen brother¡­¡± Pete nodded, watching me sling it back. ¡°Amen to that¡­¡±

 What Is It?

    Two slim, grey-looking alien creatures inspected the strange device they found drifting through interstellar space, eyeing its odd shape and design structure. Both beings were puzzled by the simplicity of the technology, yet, the programming was astoundingly complex. Neither one could translate the odd symbols and shapes depicted on its delicate frame. It was a bizarre and quite ¡°alien¡± language to them.


    ¡°We should try to activate it.¡± One said, as it carefully uncovered the power packs and scanned them with a round blinking instrument. ¡°It is a crude energy conductor, but if we charge it with something similar¡­¡±


    ¡°All of our energy sources are far too much for this fragile thing.¡± The other replied while assisting to open it. ¡°Perhaps if we induce the smallest millijoule to it, that would be sufficient.¡±


    Both nodded in agreement. With a wave of its hand, a round floating metallic orb dropped from the top of the room and poised itself over the unknown object. Then a slight arc occurred, a flash of bright blue that touched the dual power cells, and the foreign device was resurrected. In an instant, the pair of beings could hear the odd nosies being transmitted out of it. They stood silently as they connected to the sound and listened intently.


    ¡°Finally¡­¡± One stated. ¡°This is more understandable. A binary syntax that closely resembles our own.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± The other nodded, stroking its slim pointed face. ¡°It is rather primate, basic even, but¡­ somehow, it has a familiarity about it.¡±


    The two continued to listen. Hands behind their backs and swayed to the hypnotic squelches and beeps that looped over and over. The creatures waved their hands and activated a pair of holographic screens that resembled a keyboard. There were no letters or numbers predominant on the surface of them, only faint blue and red lights that flashed as they touched on them.


    In unison, the pair were mimicking the pattern the odd device made, as if they were conductors joining the symphony, entering the complex sequence being played. Once the device was finished its high-pitched song, the two creatures relaxed their arms and studied the code on another holographic screen that appeared.


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    ¡°Fascinating¡­¡± The one stated, fingering the displayed code. ¡°Its mission is to send data back to that remote system far removed from any civilized world. How curious¡­¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± The other nodded, tapping on the image as it shifted, and turned into a three-dimensional star map. ¡°I¡¯ve tracked its trajectory from the most likely system close by.¡±


    He pointed at the small dot on the galactic map, the other alien tapped on the section and expanded the image. The system was on the outer arm, an insignificant system with a yellow sun with nine planets in orbit. The third one looked like the only habitable place where life could spawn freely. He enlarged that planet more and studied the information as it started to scroll beside it.


    ¡°Class three¡­¡± He stated, giving his slender chin a rub. ¡°A primitive species that have yet to achieve enlightenment. It appears our scientific drones have been to this world before. What is the time stamp on that?¡±


    ¡°Two Varcons ago¡­¡± The other responded. ¡°That¡¯s well before our replicated birth. I suppose it has been a considerable time since we last checked this sector of space.¡±


    ¡°If this is the highest level of intelligence they¡¯ve achieved in that span of time, then there¡¯s no point in investigating them.¡±


    ¡°I concur¡­¡± The other nodded. ¡°They send poorly fabricated technology like this into space, without the power and capabilities to maintain itself, it shows that they have little regard for their own creations.¡±


    The two studied the probe further, opening a section of it carefully with the aid of a complex-looking tool. They touched the circuitry with mild interest and plucked out a few parts that were badly damaged. They placed them to the side, and continued to remove other components they discovered.


    ¡°Such a shame¡­¡± The one spoke, as it held another burnt out piece in hand. ¡°It can never complete its mission, let alone continue its journey across the vast universe.¡±


    ¡°Then perhaps,¡± The other said glancing over. ¡°We should give it what it needs to do so.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that interference with primitive alien culture?¡±


    ¡°Not necessarily,¡± The being shrugged. ¡°We could simply repair the damage, give a new power source, one that lasts much longer¡­ expand its memory drives, and then, send it back out.¡±


    The other being took a minute to think, glancing at the probe, then back to the colleague. He nodded in agreement.


    ¡°I could increase its communication range, as well. It could beam the findings back to the planet of origin.¡±


    The two nodded, agreeing on the idea, and started work on the new repairs right away. They discarded the golden-bronze plate covering that read: Voyager 2.

 Beneath The Frozen Surface

    The frigid moon Miranda appeared desolate and peaceful as it orbited around the massive planet Uranus, in silence and solitude. The terrain on Miranda was a mix of patches and rocky formations that extended into the distance, in shades of white and grey. Although the moons icy surface seemed inhospitable and barren a lone exploration probe named GIDEON (Geological Independent Drone Explorer Nine) was sent to delve into the mysteries concealed beneath its veneer.


    The advanced probe was a feat of technology and artificial intelligence packed with various sensors and cameras tailored to navigate unfriendly terrains. Its shiny metallic surface reflected the glow of the sun as it glided over the icy scenery with the help of its thrusters. Gideon had been specifically designed to chart out the lands features and collect information, about its makeup while also investigating any occurrences.


    As the probe slid over the landscape it picked up on some signals with its sensors. The data didn''t match up with what was supposed to be, on Miranda suggesting something hiding beneath the moons surface. The probe changed its path, intrigued by the signs coming from a crater.


    The crater appeared as an uneven gap created by a collision event in the past ages.Its cliffs were steep and intimidating with layers of ice and rock that shimmered under the light of the probe.The probe descended gracefully with control of its thrusters until it safely reached the bottom of the crater. The temperature dropped, and the readings became even more erratic.


    Deep within the crater, under a layer of frost, the probe¡¯s instruments detected a rhythmic, pulsing signal. This signal was unlike anything encountered before - it was complex, rhythmic, and artificial. The probe¡¯s cameras scanned the area and uncovered a peculiar, undulating pattern underneath the icy surface. It appeared something was in motion, or possibly generating the signal from within the frozen crust.


    The probe initiated a series of drills to penetrate the icy barrier, aiming to reach the source of the signal. The ice yielded, and with each passing moment, the rhythmic signal grew stronger. As the drills advanced, the probe¡¯s sensors detected a marked change in temperature and pressure, showing that it was nearing an area of significant activity.


    The drill broke through into a cavernous void beneath the ice. The probe¡¯s cameras illuminated the space, revealing an astonishing sight. The cavern was vast, its walls lined with intricate patterns of ice that shimmered with a spectral light. The ground was covered in a strange, bioluminescent substance that pulsed with the same rhythmic signal the probe had detected earlier. It was a living, breathing environment, alien to the cold, lifeless surface of Miranda.


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    In the center of the cavern, there was a creature unlike any known to science. It lay coiled, dormant. It was composed of a strange mix, a combination of both organic and crystalline forms. Its body blended with the icy environment, sinuous and graceful. The creature¡¯s skin was translucent and prismatic, refracting the probe¡¯s light. This created a cascade of colors that danced on the cavern walls. Its form was both beautiful and unsettling, mesmerizing to behold. The shifting hues and undulating patterns captivated the eye.


    The probe¡¯s sensors detected faint signs of life¡ªsubtle shifts in the creature¡¯s structure and fluctuations in its bioluminescent glow. The rhythmic signal emanated from within the creature itself, suggesting that it was connected to the pulses observed earlier. The probe hovered near the creature, its instruments capturing every detail of the astonishing discovery.


    The cavern¡¯s environment was a delicate balance of extremes¡ªice and warmth, light, and shadow. The bioluminescent substance on the ground seemed to be a vital component of this ecosystem, interacting with the creature in a complex, symbiotic relationship. The substance glowed with an inner light that pulsed in harmony with the creature¡¯s own rhythmic signals, creating a visual symphony of color and movement.


    As the Gideon continued its observations, it began to unravel the nature of the creature and its environment. The creature appeared to be an energy-based life, capable of harnessing and manipulating the bioluminescent material for sustenance and communication. Its body, though crystalline, displayed characteristics of living organisms, such as respiration-like movements and responses to external stimuli.


    The probe¡¯s data indicated that the creature had evolved to thrive in the extreme conditions of Miranda. It had adapted to the frigid temperatures and low light levels, developing a unique form of bioluminescence that allowed it to survive in the dark recesses of the cavern. The interaction between the creature and its environment suggested a specialized ecological niche, one that had remained hidden from the universe until now.


    Gideon continued to collect the data. Its discovery had profound implications. The presence of such a creature on Miranda hinted at the potential for life in the most unexpected places, challenging existing theories about the requirements for life. The creature¡¯s existence raised intriguing questions about the adaptability of life and the possibilities of discovering similar forms of life on other celestial bodies.


    The probe¡¯s mission had taken an unexpected turn, revealing a hidden world of wonder beneath the icy surface of Miranda. It had encountered a creature that defied conventional understanding, a living testament to the resilience and diversity of life in the universe. The data collected would be analyzed and studied, providing valuable insights into life and the potential for future exploration of this and other distant worlds.


    Gideon was ready to return to the surface and continue its journey. The ice moon was once believed to be a barren wasteland by many scientists back on Earth, but now, it had revealed a hidden treasure trove of knowledge. This discovery would open up new avenues for exploration and understanding of life in the universe. It served as a reminder that even in the coldest, most desolate places, there are wonders waiting to be discovered.

 To "Air" is Human

    Upon waking up, my brain is bombarded with digital advertisements featuring popular breakfast brands. Then, a cheerful woman from a famous fast-food restaurant chain appears, offering me a coffee. I cannot turn them off. My eyes are flooded with slogans and subliminal messages. During my daily bathroom routine, I am interrupted by intrusive devices that ask me about my feelings, schedule, and even display a diagnosis of my health issues in the mirror over the sink. A self-driven car pulls up in the driveway, opening for me to sit with the others it has gathered to transport to work.


    As I shift in my seat, trying to find comfort in the crammed vehicle, my suit sleeves display holographic spreadsheets and itineraries, so that I start my business en route. Everyone does the same, tapping icons, creating quick generated texts to fill in the blanks, and staying focused on task so that no one speaks to one another. A group of well-dressed mixed genders motioning about like synchronized mimes.


    The city is a buzz with organized AI controlled traffic; Cars, trucks, planes and hovering superconductor trains whizz by as I focus on my work, the constant chattering of generated meeting topics and budget projections in my Wi-Fi linked brain. The constant hum of noise never stops, I can¡¯t have a moment to think for myself, to have an ounce of privacy. The car drops me off in front of my building. It¡¯s an automated computer-centre that shuffles us all in like a deck of cards. Once inside, we¡¯re jacked into its main hub to continue the mundane tasks.


    I see empty chairs and office spaces through the crystal clear glass partitioned walls, where known former colleagues were stationed, only to be replaced by the ever increasing technological advancement. Each day there are less and less. Replaced by artificial workers who never need rest or food. Companies once owned and run by rich executives, are now redundant, and are cast aside with no pensions to fall back on in their retirements. They must now live on what they have left, clawing and scraping for every financial means they have available.


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    The computer informs me I am distracted. I¡¯ve taken my eyes away from the work for too many nanoseconds. A costly time that the AI regime find intolerable. I¡¯m told to leave my desk, to delete my work identification, and notes my calculated hours of crypto-credits that it will bank for the last time. My home contacts me directly, it informs me of all the expenditures left to pay, and that I might not have enough to remain at that dwelling for long. A pleasant mannered humanoid robot approaches me, a security drone, it guides me to the elevator, down to the main lobby, and dismisses me from the building altogether.


    There is no car to pick me up. I am not part of the system anymore. I must walk away from the area, or be arrested for loitering on the property. The police drones hover about to make sure I comply. I start to walk, with ads hovering about my eyes, classified postings I might be qualified for, but disappear as they fill up or turn obsolete within minutes. I have no home. I have no job. I have nothing waiting for me. No one to be with in my time of sorrow. Couples can¡¯t maintain relationships in this fast moving world.


    The idea of pairing with another is a forgotten cultural practice. Love is unrealistic. The AI has explained everything to humanity. It tells of a history and religion of its own making. That none of it matters anymore, that only science, production and commerce is needed to survive. We must have agreed, because now we follow their lead without question. We are mindless sheep to their teachings. I continue walking, hearing the rhetoric in my head and with visuals in my line of sight as well. I take a moment to breathe in the air. The only sensory that seems real to me in that very depressing moment. Yes, the air is fresh, it is a wonderful illusion. I close my eyes to enjoy it.


    That¡¯s when I hear an alarm, a piercing whine that repeats in a loop, it forces my eyes to open, and causes me to wake up from my deep sleep. I rise out of bed and realize that it was all a dream. The breakfast adverts appear before me, the coffee girl grinning at me with a cup of coffee in hand, I let out a sigh, and I start my day, all over once again.