The Last Conversation

022

“Please approach the screen.” The screen is blue. Not the same blue as the sky but a different blue.

“When a red dot appears on the screen, touch it as quickly as you can, with either index finger.”

“Very good, ______. What you see now is a maze. Please drag the blinking icon in the lower left along the correct path to the maze’s exit in the upper-right corner. Each map you complete will become more difficult.”

“Nicely done. Yes, I’m quite pleased by number of mazes solved. You’ve earned a break from the challenges. I have a treat for you. Under your bed is a set of virtual-reality goggles. Go back to your bed, face the room, and then put the goggles on.”

“What you are seeing is the neighborhood in which we used to live.”

“Yes (laughs) it is a beautiful day in the neighborhood.”

“Please walk slowly and with your hands in front of you.”

“If you feel like you’re lost and it’s upsetting you, remember you can take off your goggles.”

“The brown one, with the crab apple tree in front. That’s the one.”

“Yes, it was an old house.”

“Yes, we were happy living there.”