Nigel knew that Jet had an online persona in The Colossal Machine named JetaGirl because JetGirl was already taken.

Nigel opened the game client for The Colossal Machine.

Since they had connected in-game previously, looking for her shouldn’t have been difficult. Nigel appeared in his anteroom, a chamber where he could prepare for gameplay. Only players that had achieved certain social status were allowed anterooms.

Nigel checked his connection log; only four contacts appeared.

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Jet - Offline 10 Hours

George - Offline 20 Days

Milo - Offline 23 Hours

Jake - Offline 13 Days

Nigel had hoped to catch Jet online. He decided to do the next best thing and send her an in-game message.

Dear Jet,

I wanted to properly thank you for saving my life. You risked yourself, your freedom, and your mobility to make sure that I survived the attack that has forever changed us. I regret any pain your brave actions caused you. My heart was broken when I saw you in the hospital. I didn’t want to disturb your slumber, so I left you.

When I returned, you were gone.

I wish I had stayed.

Yours Truly and Friend Forever,

Nigel