September 27, 2060

18 and free. It was time to finally get out. Explore the world. Invent. I hugged my Dad. A smile and tear streaking down my face as I looked at him.

"This is it, after all that college. You get to show the world who you are." My dad, James, spoke like an inspirational speaker. Unusual for his casual demeanor.

"Yep, and thus I leave to live upon the world and that God has laid before thee." I chuckled, my voice becoming theatrical and boisterous. As if I was reciting Shakespeare.

He scoffed. Shaking his head before looking at me. "I'm just trying to say.."

He hesitated to speak. I think he's about to lie. He avoided eye contact and he cleared his throat. I knew it.

"I'm proud of you...your mother would be even prouder if she could see you right now." A solemn look entered his eyes as he lied shamefully. I knew why, mom had always hated Reinheit, or least he told me so. She would furious with me, tell me to do anything but that. Probably to stay in the shop as a mechanic like her. But where did that get her? Dead, forgotten about. Her family doesn't talk about her, my dad's family disowned him because of her. I was going to be great, my name on plaques, my story told like that of Tesla.

His tone become serious. "Listen, you're a grown woman now. I'll always support you can take care of you when you're here. But when you're gone, I can't protect you. You're on your own out there. I want you to promise me you'll be safe."

"Dad, c'mon. I'll be good, I can handle myself. I promise." I reassured him. It was my big day after all, didn't need all this doom and gloom on my way over there. I watched my Dad as he looked up. I assume trying to not have tears flow down his face.

"Just know..you're still my little girl..and no matter how far you are..I'll always love you." He spoke in between sniffles before quiet tears streaked down his face. I hugged him once more, tighter than last as it suddenly dawned on me..This would mark the day that I become truly independent. Good thing I already got a job lined up. I sighed deeply before giving him a pat on his shoulder. Turning around towards the small black car. Walking towards and getting in. With all my things packed and ready. I put the keys in ignition, and turned it. The black and silver machine roared to life.

I slowly pulled out into the street, turning the car and heading towards the open road. Just like that I was off. It was almost a blink, and I was out of town. All on my own with no help. I pulled out my personal jack, sticking it into the port embedded into my car's stereo. Suddenly, a bright display of a map was shining on the screen, along with music. The rock of the 90s..Some folk call me ancient for even playing it. But, my father always listened to it, so did my mother. It was her favorite song. I could see why. It was energetic, a little silly even. All the noise, I liked it. I think it's my favorite song too.

More than hour has passed. I was getting tired, the late winter sun washed over the front windshield of the car. I loved road trips, it's all I've ever taken. But, I wasn't going back anytime soon. It wasn't long before I had known I was in Houston. The words "BE SOMEONE" were in big red graffiti of the side of a bridge. Despite all this time, it never went away. I wonder what the guy who did that is doing. As soon as I passed the bridge, the urban beauty of it exploded like a veil was lifted. Bright neon lights shined brightly throughout the entire skyline. It was also covered in various advertisements, promoting useless things no needs. Despite all this time, it never went away. I wonder what the guy who did that is doing.

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I pulled into the long and winding roads of the Apartment Complex. Already having furnished the week prior, all I needed to do was lay down and relax. I parked to the best of my ability before turning off the small car and popping the trunk. I was step out of the car and grab my things, closing the trunk as I turn. The complex seemed so different. It was at the right angle where the skyline was visible. Reinheit Tower was the tallest. The Moon Orchid Flower was like a beacon of white and orange. Beautiful. Contrasted with the fake brick which served as the walls of the apartment building. It was like living in Limbo, so close to paradise yet never reaching it.

Unit B121. That was mine, on the second plot of the second building, on the first floor. The keys jingled in the lock as I opened the quiet living room, the kitchen directly adjacent to the apartment. The bed attached to the wall as the living room was more like a bowl, with the seats dug into the floor. The TV attached to the wall pointing at the pit called a couch, I threw my things onto the ground before flopping onto my bed, which was decorated in an orange and pink floral blankets. Oh right, my dad!

I brought up the contacts in my OS before dialing him through my own manufactured chip. After a second of processing, and ringing, he answered, his voice clear as day as he spoke in my ear.

"There she is! How was the drive? Everything comfortable?" His voice was hinted with a sound of relief. His deep voice would be perfect for a narrator. Why he never went down that path always confused me. He always told me that he wanted to act, either voice or physical. But, that he was too ugly for it. That, and he was busy trying to win over mom.

I answered with a groan, "Yeeep, just about, excited!..Well, more nervous.." I could hear a light sigh in his voice, he was trying to think of what to say. He was less than a fan of Reinheit, but he knew he couldn't stop me working there.

"Well, just remember, you're you. I've seen corps like that turn people into monsters. You think some mutants are ugly? Wait til you come face to face with a CEO.." He let out a small disgusted groan, as if a bad memory had just come back to him. I shook my head slightly, all this talk about my future job was going to put me in a mood, and I didn't need that right now.

"Yeah, yeah, I know, I don't need a lecture about how much corps destroy us. I'm in my new home..so can we please talk about something else..?" I dropped my voice. I love my dad, he was passionate, smart, kind, gentle. But, he was a little much sometimes.

"Right..I'm sorry..It's just- ah, nevermind. You know, you could go out tonight? Meet some friends. There's a spot you mother and I went to all the time. Fitz's Club. I knew the guy a while back, should be no problem gettin in." He gave the me the information with a tad hint of excitement. There was some questions I had immediately.

"A club? Dad, I'm only 18!" I exclaimed in disbelief, but a small chuckle came from him into my ears.

"18, and smart, and young, and friendless. C'mon, you need to meet people your age anyway, some girlfriends, any choom not online." His tone got a little deep at the end. I threw my head back as I cringed.

"Oh. My. God. Dad, please don't ever use 'choom' ever again. How do you even know what that means?" I was over all this already, he scoffed on the other end.

"How do I know? Girl, I keep up with all you youngins, don't make me show you up down there." I shook my head softly.

"Fine, fine, I'll go to Fitz's later tonight..just..I'm tired. Imma catch some z's. See you, Dad." I laid down, taking off more and more layers of clothing until I was comfortable. Snuggling underneath the heavy weighted blankets. Like a warm hug enveloping me.

"Alright, alright. I'll leave you alone now. Rest up. Love you."

"Love you too, dad. Bye!"

Click.