A preview from Chapter 1 of Virtual Connection: Ilaria

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Ricardo had always considered himself the epitome of normal. He studied, worked, went out with friends, like every other undergraduate student; that he didn’t depend on the VR machine for any of those was a plus. Thus, he couldn’t help scowling when his group project members decided to finish their last in person meeting early.

Shortly after being outvoted, he picked up the wireless projector and left the study room. He navigated the corridors with ease even with the added bulk on him, the library building almost empty at this time of the year.

A week before Christmas Day, the discordance between the snowmen decorating the walls and the radiant summer sun in the sky was at its apex.

Ricardo got halfway out of campus when he was pulled from behind. “Hey, are you done for today?”

He didn’t have to turn around to know whose voice it was; only Sandro would take those kind of liberties with him. Just a glance–tanned skin, shoulder-length brown hair–for confirmation.

“I guess I am. Apparently there’s an unmissable tournament tonight.”

“With so many different games, you can bet there’s always something going on.” Sandro got in line, matching Ricardo’s quick but short steps.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

“Whatever. Tomorrow they’ll be watching replays and chit-chatting in prichat while I try to stir the ship.” Contrary to his words, he smiled. Even under less than ideal conditions, he could guarantee earning high marks.

After a couple of blocks, Sandro drank the last sip of water from his sports bottle, shaking it uselessly. Such a pointless gesture, it only reminded Ricardo of his skin sticky with sweat.

They surely were going to break the temperature record once again this year. Of course, if his group had stayed in the study room for another hour as planned, he wouldn't need to be walking under the heat.

“Every year the summer gets hotter, and to think we are supposed to have a mild climate.” Ricardo looked ahead, the trees on the street too small to provide any relief.

“I heard in Argentina it’s even worse.” Sandro looked at him and grinned.

“Probably. Makes me want to reconsider that whole thing.” Ricardo laughed, drying his forehead with a paper napkin.

He joked, but it would be their first family vacations after a long time. His sister Minerva was the one pushing for it, so there’s no way Ricardo would miss it, even if he didn’t have any particular interest in the location.

“Anyway, it seems I unexpectedly got some free time. Wanna go for a couple of drinks?”

“Sorry, I have a prior engagement.” Sandro looked away.

“Clara?”

“Yeah, we’ll be in VC.”

“Is that better than the beach house?”

“Of course, the beach doesn’t have me.”

They kept walking in silence, the noisy streets of Lima filling the void. Saturday evening, lots of people returning home, lots of people going out. Maybe more the former than the later, considering virtual reality’s surge in popularity.

“I know you don’t play VR games, but…”

“If you know don’t say it.” Ricardo looked up, reading the numbered signposts.

“Clara wouldn’t mind you joining us every now and then. Just saying.”

“I don’t think it’ll happen, but thank you anyway.”