Binary (0 & 1)

Microfiction set in the far future when humans become creators of their own kind and the use of technology provides the utmost escapist way of mourning the dead.

BINARY (0 & 1)

           Nimbus clouds run fast from the horizon; a seemingly thick gray haze blocks most of the sunlight in the far view bathing the silver city in an ambiance of muted colors. Clear skies are rare these days and a much-anticipated event; a time wherein sun rays successfully seeps through the jaundice smog.

Standing by the open window, as if awaiting the storm that is to come, she lets out a deep sigh. A minute passes-her looking at nothingness. This is it. She thought to herself while staring sternly at the aluminum package. The masons who had delivered it had already made their way outside the village gates. There is but only one choice left to do.

Her heart clamoring within like pulsating flames. She could not get hold of what she’s feeling right now-Is it regret?; pertaining to the perversive act she’s made? Is it dismay?; towards an inevitable and unchanging bleak result? Or is it relief and overjoy?; for the cure, at last, was found, a remedy against the relentless tide of sorrow gushing and obstructing the flow of rational thinking.

Her tears aren’t the supposed testament of the gamut of emotions she’s feeling. Which among those are real? One can never be certain, even she could not discern herself.

She wipes her face with the sleeves of her pristine white dress, and while pointing the package’s keys towards the hole, begins to unlock the container. The 6-foot rectangular box breathes out cold, thick air, but unlike the dark nimbus clouds outside, it is white in color, mostly mimicking the hue of the light bulb installed within.

She clears her throat once as to marvel at the sight as the seals of the package dissipate together with the thick air forcefully released.

A Pandora’s box opened, she slowly lends her hand on the humanoid’s face. It was staring straight right through her small breasts, unblinking, for she stood quite tall compared to it. She touched its naked body but it was steady and frigid, like metal railings during red winter’s peak.

She reaches and presses the reset button located beneath the humanoid’s tongue.

“Uh…o-override…” she took a quick glance at the manual to be sure, the text “To: Mrs Gregoria” was handwritten on its cover page.

“Override laboratory functions…” she murmurs while switching focus “Set to user mode.”

It didn’t flinch an inch in response, it is supposed to be physically unresponsive as reported in all previous models, so she continued anyway. 

“one, zero, five, one, eight, nine, seven.”

1051897, Andres’ cortex ID. A code that transmits the carefully preserved and coded consciousness of a deceased individual towards the receiving humanoid. 

…

“one, zero, five, one, eight, nine, seven.”

“Andres?”

…

“one, zero, five, one-“

“I heard you Ma,”

The once unblinking humanoid came to life, lifting its head and wearing a smile with utmost purity. It breathed deeply and its chest pounded as if it has a heart within. The vessel now bears the kindred soul. 

“Don’t worry ma,” Its warm but frozen hand touching Gregoria’s wrinkled cheeks. “I’m here, I’ll never leave you again.”

THE END