“My name is Sophie Eviss, and this is a report about… no, that doesn’t sound right. Hmm… This is Sophie Eviss reporting on the progress of… gah, too formal.” I scratched my head and laid back in my chair as I tried to think of a way to start this report. “Darn it dad, why are you making me do this?”
I’ve been working on this project for almost three years now and only recently has dad shown interest in it. Maybe it’s because I’m getting close to finishing it and he wants to show off another one of his ‘genius daughter’s’ inventions. It’s either that or he wants some good publicity. With the release of TWO there was a lot of controversy behind the game pods and basically accessing another person’s mind and my silence on the subject must have caused a lot of unrest. Still though…
“...at least I don’t have to talk in front of a crowd. But then again having my face seen by a bunch of people is still embarrassing… haa…” I let out a sigh and slumped in my chair.
“I wonder if Simon could do a report like this. He’s not that shy after all. Maybe Helen could as well? But she’d probably make jokes… ah! Not again...” Before I knew it, I was suddenly thinking about the two siblings again. I know that we haven't seen each other in years but still… I just couldn't help missing them. It is mostly my fault for cutting all contact with them for such a long time, but it’s for a good reason!
While I was in the middle of my thoughts, I heard a knock at my door. Is it dad again? I got up and looked into the security camera, and what I saw almost made my heart leap out of my chest. Simon was standing there! Right there! In front of my door!
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I froze in place as I stared at the unmoving figure of Simon. Why was he here? Ever since I shut myself away he hadn’t tried to contact me directly, so why now? As I stood still I heard a faint sigh from the speakers.
“Haa… Sophie, can you hear me? I’m about 99% sure because you have Bub sitting outside your door, but it would feel kind of embarrassing to just talk while not knowing if you’re listening.” He stared directly into the camera. “I want to say thanks for what you did for Helen; I haven’t seen her that happy in a long time. I know you’re trying to make up for the past, and I’d think this is pretty close to making up for it.”
No! I screamed in my mind. That isn’t nearly enough to make up for what I did!
“Ah, but with your personality I know you’d think that wasn’t enough. Shutting yourself inside like this for three years… you’re definitely trying to make something to fix Helen’s legs right? I’ve mentioned this in my e-mails, but I could always help if you needed it. Like we always have...” He wore a melancholic expression on his face.
His words sounded like the sweet temptation of the devil. I really, REALLY wanted to open that door and accept his offer, and talk about all the things we’ve done over these years. But not yet. I don’t deserve to face the siblings until I’ve made up for what I’ve done. It’s already been three years since I made that decision and now I’m so close to finishing my work. Soon, I can see them with a proper smile on my face.
“Well, Helen and I are playing TWO together so maybe if… I dunno, you have some free time or something you could join us? Oh, but maybe you’re too busy to play. Anyway, my name in game is Q and Helen’s is Zeilan. I… hope I can see you soon.” Simon turned around and left.
“I hope so too…” I whispered. With one last glance at the screen I refocused myself and prepared to work again. That’s right, nothing has changed since that time. I faced the screen and started the recording program again.
“I am Sophie Eviss, and I will fix what I have broken…
…
…
…
...no, that sounds stupid.”