Love, Virtually - Episode 4
by Jonathan Rosen
What do you mean I’m going to die??
How? Are you sure it’s me?
I don’t know. I’m looking at the story now. I just saw the name and asked. I shouldn’t have.
You shouldn’t have?? If I’m going to die, you don’t think you should warn me??
I’m sorry, I don’t know what the right thing to do is.
You don’t know what the right thing is? The right thing is to tell me, so maybe I can do something to stop it!
But, what about all that stuff that we talked about before? Changing the timeline. Back to the Future type stuff. Aren’t we supposed to let things play out like they’re supposed to?
NOT when it’s my life! I need to know! If it was you about to die, wouldn’t you want to know??
Yes.
So, what’s the difference? It’s okay for you to know, but not for me?
I already told you.
You only told me that it’s going to happen, not how. I need to prevent it from happening at all.
What if it changes things in the future?
Like what? Nothing catastrophic is going to happen if I live. I’m nobody.
That’s not true. And you know about the Butterfly Effect. Even a little tiny thing can alter events.
Brandon?
Yeah?
I don’t care. Now tell me.
I’m looking. All I see so far is when the funeral is and when you died. Not from what.
But, I’m still looking.
In the meantime, talk about something else. What kind of writing do you do?
We’re going to talk about work now?
I just figure that if I’m going to break all the laws of time, and maybe the universe for you, that maybe I should get to know you a little better? 😊
Fair point. I work in the city.
But what do you do exactly?
I work in TV. I write for Fallon.
Get out! That’s awesome! I’m REALLY impressed. You write sketches?
Sketches, monologues. Don’t be so impressed, I’m part of a team of writers. And believe me, I’m waaaay down the line.
I think I even report to the janitor. My stuff barely gets used.
Who cares who you have to report to?? Your stuff gets used on TV!
Barely.
That is freaking awesome! I’m so jealous.
Again, don’t be. I thought I’d be a lot farther along than this. I guess the only time I’m ever really fully happy is playing this game.
In this game I know I’m good, so it feels like I matter. What about you?
Nothing nearly as exciting as you. I work from home.
I would soooo love to work from home! Write for myself. What do you do exactly?
Actually, lots of companies hire me to run their websites.
That’s really cool. So, if you’re so good with the internet, find out what happened to me.
I’m looking. Honest. As far as I can tell, they’re not giving any specific cause.
How is that possible? I just didn’t keel over and die.
Wait, did I?
Maybe. I don’t know. Like I said, there’s not much here. It just says that you died and were found dead. Not from what, which is pretty weird.
There’s something strange about it.
I just die?? You have to find out from what!
How are you feeling now? Anything bothering you?
Do you think that’s it? You think I have a heart attack or something like that?
I don’t know. I guess anything is possible. Maybe you want to check it out?
Brandon, my hands are literally trembling.
Don’t be scared. We’re finding it out early enough.
We don’t know that. We don’t even know what it is, so there’s no way of knowing that it’s early enough or not.
You should run to a doctor and check it out.
That’s exactly what I’m going to do. Are you going to be around after?
Yes, of course. I’m waiting for you. Go!
Later that day
Brandon?
OMG, been waiting for you. What happened??
Nothing.
What do you mean nothing? You didn’t go?
No, I went. I mean they didn’t see anything. They did all sorts of tests and found nothing.
They must’ve thought I was nuts, since I was demanding all the tests to begin with, and I said I was feeling okay.
Do you feel better now?
No, how could I feel better? Can you check if the news still says the same thing? And I want the truth.
Okay.
Yes, it still says the same thing.
What should I do?
What did your fiancé say?
I didn’t say anything to him.
How come?
What would I say? This guy I’m talking to from the future, when I’m not spending time with you, told me I’m going to die, so I want to check it out?
Well, I wouldn’t use those words exactly. 😊
Very funny. You have no idea how terrified I am. Something’s going to happen to me, and I have no idea what and even worse, I have no idea how to stop it.
Listen, maybe I already changed the future by telling you?
No, because then the article you read would’ve changed.
Jessica, I think it’s a good idea that you stay home from work that day.
Just call in sick because I think I’m going to die?
It’s just one day. Why take a chance?
I guess. What will I tell Michael?
Who?
My fiancé.
Oh, maybe you should tell him everything?
No, I’m not telling him.
He’s there and might be able to calm you.
Are you sure about the date?
Yes. That’s what it says.
Brandon, will you hang with me that day? At least like this. I don’t want to be alone.
Yeah, of course. Don’t worry. I’ll be there with you. And I’ll make sure that nothing happens.
App