Chapter 1 #2
My brows furrowed in confusion. “What does that mean?”
She smiled on one side of her mouth, almost secretive. “When you were young, what you needed was a PlayBox. It is familiar. But now, how about trying a new type of console? One that isn’t on the shelves just yet. One that adapts to the user and anticipates what you need. Helps you feel less alone.”
“I’ve never heard of anything like that.” It certainly piqued my curiosity.
“Most people don’t know this machine exists yet.” She pulled out a box from under the counter. “But I think it’s perfect for you.”
The box was matte black and sturdy. At first I thought it was unbranded, but when I moved my head, the light caught on subtle glossy symbols.
There was a large slanted heart with a tail that was elongated and curved; it had rune-like symbols surrounding the heart and the words ‘Lux-1 System’ written at the top.
She lifted the lid and pulled out a bundle swaddled in a velvety, wine-colored cloth. She set it on the counter with a thud and pulled back the cloth, one corner at a time.
The console she uncovered was unlike any I’d seen before. It was long and curvy, reminding me of a human torso with ridges where shoulders might be, if you squinted.
Almost human, almost...sultry. Though the fluorescent lights of the store were surely doing its beauty a disservice.
The main body was gunmetal gray with a pattern resembling carbon fiber.
The power button was the same misshapen heart on the box and sat where a heart would be if it were human.
I brushed it with my fingers, and warmth spread beneath my touch.
The texture reminded me of the soft silicone of a certain toy tucked away in my bedside table.
I must have imagined the warmth, but it felt right. The thing was a captivating work of art.
Selma watched me with a knowing, serene smile.
“It’s beautiful,” I murmured.
“It is,” she agreed. “And very special.”
I cleared my throat, suddenly wary. “So, how much is it?” I asked, fearing for my bank account.
She told me a price that was surprisingly low, about the same as the latest PlayBox, and my eyebrows shot up.
“Why would it be that cheap? If it’s a new product, shouldn’t it cost more than one of those?” I gestured to the consoles on display behind the counter.
“When it’s released, I’m sure it will be. I got this model in so I could find a user to test it and give feedback. So, if you agree to tell me what you think after using it for a couple of months, then it’s yours for that price.”
“I’ll take it.” I said, not needing any more convincing.
“Excellent choice.” She rewrapped the console in the cloth and put it back into its box with a strange kind of reverence.
“What games is it compatible with?” I asked, turning toward the racks so I could pick a few out.
“It comes preloaded with several already and has the ability to download just about any game you would want to play from an online library.”
“Oh, wow,” I said, returning to the counter. “That’s convenient.”
Not having to go to the store every time I want a new game will be great. They’ve come a long way since the days before the internet.
Selma rang up my purchase, and I swiped my card before she could come to her senses about the price.
“I’m sure this is exactly what you need to cure the boredom, nostalgia, and loneliness we talked about,” she said and handed me the box.
“I’m not sure it can do anything for loneliness, but thanks.” I laughed.
The box was heavier than I expected it to be. I had to adjust my feet the moment the full weight hit me to make sure I didn’t drop it. When the old woman was no longer touching the box, a faint vibration rippled through it.
I looked up at her. “Is... is it supposed to do that?”
Selma tilted her head. “It will do what is necessary. Trust it.”
Trust it. Not trust me, trust it.
A shiver slid down my spine, anticipation coursing through me in sync with the purr emanating from the box.
“Thank you.” I was surprised to find that I truly felt grateful as I looked into her eyes, which seemed to peer into my soul.
I stepped outside, and the cool air hit me, but the box in my arms was warm.
Too warm, actually. Like it had been running for hours, even though I'd watched her pull it from under the counter moments ago.
I told myself she must have been testing it before I came in, or it was just my imagination, just the anticipation of getting back to my favorite pastime.
On the drive home, I caught myself repeatedly glancing over at the box. It wasn’t moving. It wasn't doing anything at all. But I somehow kept expecting it to start glowing or shaking. I could swear I heard a faint hum that was more than just road noise coming from the passenger seat.
I parked the car in the driveway and lifted the box from the seat.
“Okay,” I whispered to it, somehow not feeling ridiculous talking to a box. “Time to get you in the house.”
Once inside, I leaned against the door to shut it. The house was just as empty as it had been that morning, but now I had the game system to fill the space and the quiet.