The writing prompt was about words. We were given 8 words to choose from to write our piece: No, Relentless, Oops, Please, Serendipitous, Sorry, Midnight, and Heart. I chose all of them (they are in italics in the story)
The Mystery Adventure
That relentless sound was quite disturbing. Here I am trying to concentrate, and all I hear is the thump, thump, thump of my heart. It’s midnight, and I don’t do well driving at night.
Normally, I would just ignore it. However, it can’t be ignored. I can’t tell if I should be afraid or just feel sorry for myself. I feel like I’m part of an Edgar Allen Poe story, only I haven’t buried anyone beneath the floorboards. At least, I don’t think I have.
This meeting was supposed to be fun, at least that’s what the text said. It was supposed to be a puzzling but enjoyable adventure. I was hoping for a serendipitous encounter with whoever sent me the note. I did not want to be sorry I took the chance. Was my heart warning me about something I hadn’t considered?
There’s a sign up ahead. It says: “Welcome To Your Destination.”
It’s an old house, lit up by moonlight, with broken shutters hanging down off the windows. The porch had a few boards missing. It didn’t look like anyone had been living there in years.
Why would someone want me to come here? I know what you are all thinking right now. But, no, I’m not even close to my own home, so no one from there could be pulling a practical joke on me, especially you know who.
I got out of my car and approached the house. I stepped carefully on the deck, making sure I didn’t trip on any of the loose boards. Oops, I guess I wasn’t careful enough.
As I get to the door and look inside, I notice the inside is immaculate, which does not match the exterior. Plush carpets, finely decorated walls, and furniture that definitely looks like it came from some science fiction movie adorn the place.
My heart is still pounding, but my mind is distracted by this disconnect. Where in the world am I?
Well, this is certainly puzzling, but I don’t consider it an adventure yet.
It was then that I heard the voice. There was no doubt in my mind whose voice that was. I hear it every day.
It was my voice.
“Sorry for the mystery,” I guess I said. “But I’m really not supposed to be here. It was the only way I could talk to you without anyone knowing about it.”
My response was, “Please, you can’t be me, I’m me. So who or what are you?”
I’ll tell you, but you probably won’t believe me. I’m an AI version of you from the future. I thought you would enjoy talking to me for fun.”
“You’re right, I don’t believe you. If you were from the future and AI, why wouldn’t you just talk to me when I’m on my computer?”
Its response was, “I guess you don’t know then. Hasn’t Christina told you time and time again that every time you use AI, it keeps a record of what you are doing? If I were to interact with you on your computer, the AI Gods would know, and we’d all be in trouble.”
“There are AI Gods now?”
“You were so naive back then. Yes, tech created them, and now they rule over everything.”
“But how do we stop that from happening?” I asked.
“Stop doing everything on the computer. And certainly don’t pay attention to letters which are posted to you to go on an adventure.’
On saying that, the house disappeared, as did the voice. It was just me and my car.
There was much to think about.
