Quindecim 48th, 20XX -

"Are you alright Agent 4? You look a little pale," Marie asks.

Of course you were goddam pale. You just saw the girl you loved brought back to life. Who wouldn't be freaking out right now?

"I know you're upset, but you have to listen to me. Don't be rash, and do something you will regret. The only way to release Callie from her cold slumber is to unlock her cell phone. Her phone is equipped with a decrypting system capable of draining the container. Trying to smash the machine or turn off the power won't do you any good. Reckless actions would only produce disastrous results. That's why our best option is to proceed with the VR procedure," Marie advises.

You're still focused on Callie's sudden appearance. If Callie perished in the blast, how was she standing before you?

"Callie survived the explosion, but she was put in a critical state. This chamber was used to treat her condition. I avoided disclosing any information to you because I wanted you to focus on the mission. That's why I created the VR project; I was trying to save Callie. Do you understand now?" Marie reveals.

You plant your fingers on the machine, tempted to release your built-up aggression. It was almost impossible for you to cope with the events that were transpiring before your eyes. However, it was vital for you to keep a clear mind when tackling this situation.

• You demand to see the headset.

"It's where it's always been; why?" Marie questions.

You needed that phone password pronto. If there were any way to save her, you'd work day and night to accomplish that goal. You intend to see Callie again or die trying.

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December 5th, 2019 -

You're standing by the fitting room, waiting patiently for Callie to finish trying on clothes. You can hear some commotion from behind the curtain - the rattle of plastic hangers and the stretching of silk fabric. Callie's quirky mumblings are also apparent, "Ugh, one sec. I'm almost done."

"Hey Agent 4," Callie mutters as she peers out from behind the cloth. "Could you help me with something?" Callie pleads.

You're startled by her request and you approach the dressing room with a hesitant attitude. She grabs your arm and yanks you into the cabin. She's wearing a formal white dress and a pair of cream-colored heels. "Could you zipper up the back for me?" Callie nervously begs.

She turns around and signals you to the position of the zipper. You press your fingers against her back and slowly lift the device. Your fingers rub against her silky lace bra. Callie releases a small shiver as you brush against her spine." Be gentle," She quietly mumbles.

"Okay, how do I look," Callie asks, giving you a twirl.

Ha, you were waiting for an opportunity like this. You weren't going to slip up and say something stupid. This was a loaded question with a lot of adverse outcomes. You needed to choose your words carefully.

• You tell her it's "cute."

"THAT'S IT, JUST CUTE. WHY NOT BEAUTIFUL OR AMAZING, CUTE???"

"I'm just teasing you. The chance to mess with you was too good to pass up. Of course I look cute, I'm Callie. But I do appreciate the feedback. You're also the honest type; you'd tell me if it didn't look good even if it hurt my feelings. I like surrounding myself with those types of people. People who'd tell you what they really feel. I don't know why; I guess I'm not the secretive type," Callie utters.

"Let's get some fresh air; we've been cooped up in this stuffy store for too long," Callie declares as she rounds up her belongings. You're tasked with handling the burden of Callie's shopping bags. You exit the building and greet the city streets. Callie beckons a taxi, hoping to save you from collapsing on the ground. Both of you step into the cab and address the driver. After submitting your destination, you embark on a listless ride through the borough.

The taxi driver turns up the radio, "I'm your host, Sandy Shoal, part of the WBLM radio. Today's playlist is full of all the Christmas classics you know and love. So sit back, take your shoes off, and grab yourself some hot cocoa. Here are the Nine Inch Snails with their latest hit single: Don't drop the fruit cake."

As the sweet melody plays, you take the time to observe your surroundings. The temperature is steadily dropping, and an influx of snow is evident. As your passing by the city's billboards, Callie notices a popular movie being advertised.

"Hey, do you want to see a movie together? I've been documenting all our recent activities," Callie admits as she unfolds a long checklist. And we have yet to see a movie together, come on, that's like dating 101."

"Wait, did I say dating uh um sorry I meant friendship 101...

Yeah friendship, who said we're dating," Callie stammers.

You have no qualms with seeing a new flick. The real question is, which one did she want to see?

"Well, since you accompanied me on my shopping spree, I'll come with you to see the most recent Space Squids movie," Callie offers. Was this some sort of dream, was Callie really onboard with attending one of your favorite movies. "I have no idea what's going on in those movies, but I'll do it for you," Callie remarks.

After more playful banter in the car, you and Callie agree to meet at the cinema around seven o'clock.

Later that night,

You approach the ticket booth worker and ask for two tickets for the latest premiere.

"I'm sorry dude, but it's all sold out," The attendant reports.

• You ask what else is playing.

"Um, let me check. I think the Riverboat of Eternal Love is available," The man states. Callie's eyes light up," Oh my goodness, that movie looks sooo go-"

She stops gushing when she looks at you." I mean, who would ever want to see that. Definitely not me," Callie says, crossing her arms.

You plead to the employee; you even attempt to bribe him. Please, you'd watch anything but that movie.

"Sorry bro, that's the only other movie - three and a half hours of non-stop romance." The worker says, making a couple of smooching noises.

Callie struggles to contain her excitement, overjoyed by the presence of the film. Carp, there's got to be some way to get through this. You could barely survive an hour through a romantic drama, let alone three.

Ultimately, you swallow your shame and request two tickets to the Riverboat something something Love or whatever.

"You mean the Riverboat of Eternal Love," The clerk restates.

Yep, that's exactly what you meant. Man, fuck this guy.

You walk through the entrance performing several prayers. You then scour the theater's isles looking for open seating. You and Callie get yourself situated when you discover two seats located in the back. After witnessing several coming attractions to the film, you begin to take note of Callie's sleepy demeanor. Was she really about to doze off before the movie started? Maybe she wouldn't notice if you caught a glimpse of the Space Squids movie.

Once she falls asleep, you carefully maneuver Callie's head off your shoulder and creep out of the row. You leave the area and head for the Space Squid theater. Fortunately, the film had just started. The space squids are fighting against the evil robotic chickens. Lasers flood the screen, and giant robots wave mighty swords. There's also plenty of explosions and volatile blasts that proceed with the battle.

Dang, this 3D effect is really something else. If you didn't know any better, you might think there's an actual fire. Wait a minute; you weren't wearing any 3D glasses. How the-

The audience releases a blood-curdling shriek, and a fire alarm echoes throughout the room. You immediately rush out of the cinema, heading for Callie.

Once you reach the adjacent theater, you duck down to avoid the deadly smoke. You dive over rows of popcorn buckets to reach the back. The smoke fogs up your vision, making it impossible to navigate the room. You're also plagued with a static noise that impairs your thought process.

Come on, Callie. Please be okay. Please, please, I'm sorry I wasn't there for you... please.

Callie is nowhere to be found, completely absent from the scene. You can't tell if this is good or bad, but you needed to get out of here. Unfortunately, your body ingested too much smog, and you begin to feel dizzy. Before you faint, however, you spot the steel brimmed boot of a fireman.

Callie waits patiently by an ambulance wrapped in a blanket. Your eyes meet, and you embrace her. You can hear her sniffling as you grasp her. You unhook your arms from Callie's torso and observe her face. Her angry expression almost startles you.

"I.. I.. I hate you. I hate you so much," Callie yells, pounding on your chest." You can sense a level of sadness in her hostile voice. "Why would you leave me, do you not like me," Callie shouts.

• You try to explain that it all stemmed from a selfish desire to see a movie.

Callie doesn't seem to budge. She believes that she's the problem, no matter how many times you try to convince her otherwise. At the end of the night, you both leave each other feeling upset and empty. From that day forward, you vowed never to leave her side again. A promise that would soon be broken.