Machine

Cynthia and Spencer discuss her new machine.

“So, it’s like dying, only… backwards?”

Cynthia rolled her eyes. “That doesn’t even begin to explain it. Death leads you to the void. This machine won’t just pull you out of that void, it’ll thrust you into the light.”

Spencer paused for a moment. “What do you mean by ‘the light’?”

“I mean happiness!”

“Huh.”

She scoffed, clearly displeased with his lack of interest. “Step in, you ignorant fool.”

“No, thanks. I’ve got a date at six-thirty.”

“You have a date?”

“Yes, Cynthia. I actually socialize with people other than my only friend from the second grade.”

“...that hurt, Spencer.”

“Great. You need a reality check every once in a while. It’s good for you.” With that, he turned away from her and walked out of the laboratory.

Cynthia watched him leave, then turned towards her machine. “Maybe if I tell him it reveals whether two people are soul mates, he’ll test it for me.”