THE MOMENT
[Server Shutdown in 5 minutes.]
Giant red text appeared in the sky in front of the sunset. It persisted for several seconds and then faded. The text wasn't a surprise to anyone on the crowded beach anymore. The messages about the impending shutdown had been appearing everywhere, including the sky, for almost two weeks. They had plenty of warning, and a fair amount of time to come to terms with the end.
John wasn't the only one that wanted to watch the sunset one last time; the beach was lined with couples and families. But, they all seemed content to give each other space in the final moments. John and Corina sat together on the sand facing the sinking sun. He'd had well over a week to plan this moment. Now that he was there, the reality hit him like a truck. No matter how much he convinced himself he'd already let her go; this was the last time he was ever going to hold her.
"So," he said. John did not know what he was going to say yet but he did not want to end in silence. "What's the plan for next time?" he asked. Corina turned to face him with a curious look.
"I thought we agreed to face this head-on," she said. "You can't pretend like we're coming to the beach next weekend." John leaned forward and kissed her forehead with a nod.
"I mean the next life, dummy," he chuckled and squeezed her tighter. "I thought it was pretty obvious that we're soulmates. We're pushing 50 already and got like no time together this time. Let's meet sooner next time," he said.
"Okay," Corina smiled. She turned around as the tears started to fill her eyes, and leaned back into his arms.
"But, I mean it," John whispered in her ear. "Life's harder without you. You better find me as soon as you can; we need to get back to this...," he squeezed again. " ...as soon as possible."
"Why's it all on me?" Corina asked with a smile in her voice.
"Because I found you first this time; it's your turn," John replied.
[Server Shutdown in 1 minute] the text appeared again and began counting down. The sun had dipped below it and was no longer obscured by the red message.
"What if you don't like the new me?" Corina asked.
"You're missing the point of soul mates, babe," he kissed the back of her head.
"I love you," Corina closed her eyes. She did not want to watch the last 10 seconds. She felt John drape himself over her and kiss her neck.
"I love you too."
[Server shutdown in Five seconds.]
[Four.]
[Three.]
[Two.]
"This time and every time."
[One.] John closed his eyes and wondered if it would hurt.
[Zero.]
[Server Shutdown.]
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[Server Reset]
[Server Name: Pineapple]
[Initiating...]
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A high-pitched chime startled Jon awake. It took him several moments to get his bearings once his eyes were open. He was bundled in a sleeping bag in a tent.
He knew why he was there; but, it felt off somehow. He'd graduated high school and wanted to celebrate by camping out at the beach; but, he must have drank too much. The previous night was mostly a blur. The notification that woke him was familiar. It was a dating app and it sounded like he got a match. He found the phone after a moment and he was happy to see a message.
That excitement only lasted until he opened it. The picture showed the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen; she had brown hair and hazel green eyes. His first instinct was that she was a bot; and, that was confirmed when he read the body of the message.
"Looking for my soulmate! Are you the one!?"
It was such a generic message that he knew if he replied at all, he'd get redirected to a shady sight promising nudes. He rolled his eyes and tossed the phone to go back to sleep. He chuckled to himself as he did.
"Sorry Corinna, keep trying. You'll find him." He closed his eyes, but the chime sounded again.