As customary for the oldest siblings, Shauna and Jason wandered the forest to hunt and gather food. They wore animal skin clothing and held knives and spears carved of wood.

“Jason, check this out …”

A large portal in the ground appeared in front of them, with metal pipes surrounding it — it was too bright to see what was down inside.

“Do you hear that buzzing noise?”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

“Yes, he warned us about them, Shauna. Don’t you remember?”

“The machines?”

Jason nodded. “As Father warned us, they’ll tempt you with everything you ever wanted, and there’s no turning back. It’s how we lost Mother. And how we lost him after he jumped in there looking for her.”

“I want to see them both again.” Shauna teared up. “That’s what I want.”

“I know, Shauna, but you must resist. He warned us that the automation will pull you in, and you’ll never want to see the forest again …”

Shauna gazed at the forest’s tall, lush trees. Their leaves cast flickering shadows on the earth through the misty sunlight. She smiled, then frowned. “Hunt, scavenge, and eat. That’s all we do every day, Jason. I hate this life!”

She jumped into the portal …