obelisk 2026
rows of tablets The System had installed, picking one at random.“ System” he typed, his fingers touching the tablet’ s cold, unwelcoming screen.“ I would like to have a friend.” Then, flawlessly on cue, a man about his age walked up to him and started a conversation.
“ Hello, I’ m Jim,” said the stranger. Ray studied him, noticing details The System had meticulously designed to make Ray feel comfortable: a cleanshaven face, short blond hair, and a fixed smile. Every detail— his posture, hair, eyes— all made him look quite human, yet very hollow.“ Hello there, Jim. Why have you come? Can I help you?”“ I’ m here to help you,” said Jim pleasantly.“ I just thought you needed a friend.”“ How do you know that?”“ I just thought so.”“ You were forced, don’ t you see?” Ray spoke loudly into the air, knowing
The System was listening, not the shell of a man in front of him. Jim just shrugged. Ray turned and walked away. What Ray really wanted was not companionship, gifts, or recognition. He wanted something that had to be earned, something that he had to seize, something where he would risk it all just for the hope of achievement. It was at that moment he realized he wanted something The System could never give: real satisfaction.
Somewhere in him he felt a spark, and he knew that he would show everyone what real life was, even if he had never experienced it himself. Exiting the square, Ray made his way home through familiar streets, but this time his mind was active, noticing the flat conversation people made and how much control The System actually had by giving everyone what they thought they wanted, or needed.
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