Esidarap

A Chapter by Yolli

Just like how the anime Sword Art Online, living in a virtual world became a reality. People’s mind is transferred to a purely man-made world via a machine. They called the virtual world ‘Esidarap’.

Esidarap, pronounced ‘estee-de-ra’, is a virtual world created by John McKenzie. People could go to that man-made world via a machine. Just like the anime Sword Art Online, living in a virtual world became a reality in the year 2018. A sad tale lies in this virtual world - reason why he called it Esidarap - paradise spelt backwards. The name serves as a reminder for him. Regardless how perfect his virtual world may seem, it can never be Paradise, and he could never be God.

John never intended to tell anyone about the story behind Esidarap, but some things were beyond his control.

“Stop playing that game!” Amelia, the twenty-year-old pulled the plug. “Stop pretending. I know you’re awake!”

The father remained still on the bed with the machine still attached to his head.

“You’ve spent the last six years creating this junk. Isn’t that enough?! It’s...It’s like you’re addicted to that piece of metal!”

“Sorry,” he uttered through his dry lips. He finally removed the machine from his head. His weak legs made it difficult for him to sit upright as it put more pressure on his arms. His gaze softened once he saw his daughter and the corners of his lips curved. “I’m so happy to see you.”

Shock painted on Amelia’s face. The father let out a small chortle. He looked pale and weak.

“Then please spend more time in reality.”

His hands caressed the shiny metal object on his lap. The hot air he breathed out fogged up the surface, blurring his reflection.

“I’ll try.”

Amelia met up with her younger brother, Ivan - a sixth former, preparing to go to University in two months to study Computer Science.

They sat in the local coffee shop to talk about the little things that’s been happening in their lives. Ivan talked about his friends and A Levels, Amelia wanted to share her experience in University. Once their order of a mocha and cappuccino was served to them by a young waitress, Ivan decided to change the topic.

“Have you tried going to Esidarap?” he asked. Amelia shook her head before taking a sip of her mocha. “You should try! It’s beautiful! You might find yourself a boyfriend there.”

“This mocha is still hot. Don’t make me pour it over you.”

“Chill - was only joking,” he said with a cheeky grin. “But you should really have a look at Dad’s creation.”

She carefully placed her cup down. “That world is like poison. Once you’re in it, you become addicted and don’t want to face reality anymore.”

“I think you’re prejudice.”

“Whatever. I’m never going to play that stupid game.”

Ivan gasped dramatically. “Never say ‘never’!”

Amelia rolled her eyes and continued to enjoy her warm cup of mocha.

It was abnormally cold for July in England. Amelia and Ivan were shivering even though they were wearing coats. The two siblings walked side by side down the high street until they passed a fighting couple. The siblings slowed their walking pace so they could hear what the couple was arguing about. Like all couples, they were arguing over something trivial. This time, it was who gets to wear the coat.

The siblings held in their laughter, tiptoeing quickly so they’d be out of the couple’s sight. The couple was pushing and shoving, fighting over the pitiful grey coat. Suddenly, the man let go and said
“fine, you can have the coat!” The woman fell backwards and accidently pushed Amelia onto the road.

Ivan turned his head to his left to see a lorry driving Amelia’s way. His eyes and mouth hung agape. His legs were rooted to the ground. There wasn’t enough time for the lorry driver to press the brakes.

The headlights blinded Amelia’s eyes as the lorry charged towards her. She could hear Ivan’s voice calling her name faintly in the background. Her heart plunged six feet under and she thought to herself, ‘this must be the end’.