"The next-generation gaming company of the late 21st century calls themselves 'PAC', has been a nationwide phenomenon that has been rumored to allow people live in a different world with just a small electronic capsule placed by the side of a person's brain. Sources are saying that this will be a breakthrough for all gaming and to all gamers who want to experience something that is more tangible. For now, the company says that their intention is to make virtual reality an experience that allows people to act on their five senses, and will give people the sense that life does not have to end in just reality. While the virtual reality experience still hasn't made public appearances yet, paid trials are still ongoing for beta-testing. So far… nothing specific has been revealed, as the creator has said, in terms of what games would be released for this 'console', but the responses are astonishingly positive with a ninety percent approval…"

Elsa's nurse turned off the TV, and from behind she grabbed the handles of the wheelchair, slowly taking them to the balcony. The birds chirped and trees rustled with the wind. She couldn't get cold easily, but Belle was always cautious about her health. But, at 95 years old, Elsa felt more youthful than ever.

It was evening now, and she had already eaten her dinner. After dinner, they would go on a stroll… but tonight Elsa didn't feel much for walking. Or even going outside.

Belle had wrapped her in a blanket when she noticed her thin, wrinkly hands trembling. But it wasn't just cold. She was only old and frail. Her blue eyes though… everyone complimented her on her blue eyes. They looked so youthful, still. So clear.

She gazed at the trees, the birds… and she slowly turned her head when a cup of medicine and water was offered to her.

"It's time to take this, Elsa. How are you feeling?"

Elsa chuckled to herself. Her throat just couldn't make the same sound it did in her youth. It was all raspy… failing her, almost. "I feel good… Come here, darling, sit with me."

Belle sat next to her on a bench, still holding onto her medicine. That could be put off for a couple of minutes. "Is something wrong, Elsa?"

She slowly shook her head. "No… no, nothing is wrong. I feel… so good. Oh, this world… has changed so much. Self-driving cars, virtual reality, holograms… people don't need cell phones."

Belle quirked an eyebrow up. "Cell phones?"

"We called them smartphones back then. A handheld device for calling people, watching movies… a minicomputer. Now… what do you kids have these days? Implanted chips in your eyes and ears?" The nurse nodded silently, prompting Elsa to follow suit. "Mm… it's not so bad."

"Are you saying this because of Anna?"

"Anna…" Elsa gazed down, her fragile fingers holding tightly onto her blanket. The wind blew as she silently thought of the girl… this young girl, looking so beautiful and youthful, with bright auburn hair that could go so well with autumn. Elsa could forget anything, but she could not forget about her.
Suddenly, before Elsa could even say another word, she became hysterical with coughs. Belle was quick to soothe her back for a long moment, and it was then that Elsa took the pills and water. Feeling better wasn't instant, but she had calmed down. "Oh, Anna… my darling, I was... I was saying, she'll be gone in a few days."

"Oh." Belle nodded, setting herself back on the bench, her hand still soothing the old lady's back. "Have you said your goodbyes? I'm so sorry to hear Elsa. You've spoken so fondly of her…"

Her lips stretched to a longing smile. "We didn't say goodbye. We knew we would see each other again. Belle…"

"Yes?"

Looking straight into Belle's eyes, she asked, "do me a favor. Rent a car… we must drive to New York first thing on Wednesday. Next Wednesday."

Silence. She felt Belle's hand on hers squeezing so gently. Elsa wasn't this fragile. Even without looking at Belle, Elsa's gaze never left the autumn scene. "Are you sure? You two really want this? Discussed this?"

Elsa nodded. "We have… She wants me by her side. I wish to do the same."

"Then I'll book a car. I will have to tell the hospital."

What a hassle… But she would do whatever it was going to take to see her lover, to truly see all sides of her, all the beauty of her. And it didn't matter how old she looked, Elsa would always recognize that sweet, pure heart of hers.

The woman shut her eyes and let out slow, deep breaths. "Wait for me…"

That next week first thing in the morning, Elsa and Belle had caught themselves a car for the hour-long drive into Manhattan. She remembered Mount Sinai being a moderately big hospital… and it had expanded so much throughout the years. Modernized throughout the years.

As Belle wheeled her through the sliding door entrance, a voice welcomed them to Mount Sinai. As Elsa looked up she found herself staring at a very high ceiling, painted with beautiful images of doctors healing patients throughout the decades. It was all the little details in this day and age that Elsa was always so impressed by. Science, engineering, architecture… these things had gone a very long way. And while Elsa was able to show her appreciation of it all, she still preferred using older techs. While wheelchairs could move around on their own now, she still preferred to having someone push her around.

And while Elsa continued to admire the hospital, she felt a hand on her shoulder. "I talked to the receptionist. She said we should meet in the cafeteria."

Elsa tilted her head. "Cafeteria?"

Belle shrugged, pushing them to the area. "Someone is meeting us there, apparently. Are you nervous?"

Elsa sighed. "My heart has never beaten so fast before…"

"Well, well, being lively is a good sign."

The cafeteria wasn't crowded, and the only person in there that caught Elsa's eyes was a woman that looked like she was in her mid-forties, auburn hair pulled back in a ponytail, hands wrapped around a warm cup of coffee. Across the table was a plate of baked goods and another cup of coffee, and at this point, Elsa knew who she was. "Over there, Belle."

"Oh, I see her."

The woman caught both of their eyes, and slowly, she got up and greeted them. And no matter how weak Elsa was for the past few weeks, right now… she felt completely energized when she saw someone that looked so like Anna hold out her hand. "Hi, you must be Elsa. Belle? It's very, very nice to meet you."

Elsa shook her hand, patting her other one on the top of the woman's. "You must be… Anna's daughter."

She nodded. "Call me Annabelle. Please, come sit with me. I got you coffee and sweets."

When Belle pushed her to the table, Elsa patted her nurse's hand. "Why don't you take a break and grab something to eat, darling."

Belle frowned. "But Elsa -"

"Annabelle will take care of me." Knowing that Belle wouldn't give in so easily, Elsa raised her eyebrow in sternness. "Annabelle and I have much to talk about."

"Well… alright." Belle slowly rummaged through her purse and placed an orange bottle of pills on the table. "Just remember to take this, okay? I'll be back as soon as you're done."

And finally, with Belle gone, they should be able to talk freely. Except… Elsa wasn't sure where she wanted to start. She admired her daughter's appearance. Her eyes… weren't teal, but were brown. She didn't have many freckles. And looking carefully, her red hair had a few undiscovered strands of blonde and brown hair.

"How was your ride here?" Annabelle began to ask, getting up, and she made sure Elsa's sweater was fitted perfectly around her. "It must be very cold, huh?"

Elsa smiled. "Thank you. Yes… quite cold." For a moment she observed the woman, and one thing came clear to her. "I didn't expect Anna to have… a daughter."

"Oh." She laughed. "Actually, I'm adopted."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, she never married. She had girlfriends back then, but -" Annabelle sighed, sitting back on her seat across from Elsa. "They never last very long."

"Why is that?"

It took a short silent moment to pass until Annabelle allowed herself to meet eyes with Elsa. "Because of you."

"Because of me…?" What? Elsa was speechless. Perhaps she didn't understand what she was saying, but she didn't want her to repeat what she had said. It wasn't because she didn't hear her say those three words… the question was, how could it be her? How could it be someone that Anna didn't even know or recognize when they had first met? Oddly though… she pitied Anna.

Anna… must have been waiting for a very, very long time.

Elsa squinted. "What do you mean?"

"She used to talk about you a lot. Elsa this… Elsa that… it got so annoying at one point. You don't remember?"

Elsa shook her head. "I've never met her. Or… I don't think I have."

But it was understandable though. Annabelle kept eye contact with her while reaching out to hold Elsa's hand. "She told me, back when I was still a college student, that she had fallen in love with you in college. You two were the greatest of friends, but you moved to Norway. She didn't want you to go and leave her. She never forgot about you."

Elsa thought long and hard. Perhaps, it was her old age… but she couldn't remember a damn thing. Her eyebrows furrowed harder the more she tried to remember… and there was a hazy moment, a small moment, where she found herself in a college campus, arguing with a friend, saying how, how they should -

"Let's forget about each other…" Elsa whispered.

"'Let's forget about each other', yes." Annabelle nodded. "And you really did, it seems."

Elsa really didn't know what to say. She didn't recognize Anna. Didn't recognize her voice. Didn't try to guess who she was when Anna questioned if they knew each other… and, perhaps, she had to be the one to blame for leaving Anna behind… leaving her like this for a relationship with a man that didn't last long. Her throat felt clumpy, but she couldn't weep. Today… was going to be the day.

"I'm glad you're here though, Elsa. I remembered almost crying when I saw your name in the registration on the list. I thought it was insane that… you two would meet again, but here you are. Look." Annabelle slowly took out a photo - a rather old photo that had gone slightly brown, but the surface and corners were kept in pristine condition - sliding it to Elsa.

There they were in colors… arms over both of their shoulders, and God, they looked so young. So joyful. And all Elsa could sense was their beautiful friendship through that photo. She smiled longingly, running the small pad of her fingers on Anna's face.

Oh… she looked exactly like the person she knew in New York. "She keep these photos all these years?"

"Tons of them." Annabelle nodded. "I always bring them to her for her to look through." She paused, staring at Elsa's fragile hands. "She… wanted to see you for a very long time. You can say it's her last wish."

Her last wish… Elsa picked her head up. "How is she?"

"In peace. She hasn't been the most energetic these past few months. She's my mother, but… I have to let her go, you know? I don't want her to suffer anymore, and it seems… she really wants to stay in the simulation. Forever."

"Can I see her?"

"Of course." Annabelle slowly got up to be behind Elsa's wheelchair. "Just a fair warning… she might not be able to talk or move. And… alzheimer's."

Alzheimer's… Her heart completely shattered, but all she could let out was such a pitiful, shamed breath. That awkward girl she had known so far definitely was not this person Annabelle had described. She cared… she cared so much to see Anna, to see her cute little smile, and how her nose wrinkled when she did smile. But this was different, she knew.

It almost felt like an eternity had passed, but finally, Annabelle had slid the door to Anna's room open.

Silence filled the place, and the room was filled with fruit baskets and flowers. The sound of the life support machine continued beeping… and there was the bed, colored pink with the blanket, pillow, and the sunlight peeking through the curtains.

"Mom didn't have many girlfriends, but… friends, there were plenty." Annabelle whispered, and the closer they got… the closer she could see the person in bed. She could barely recognize her. She could barely say anything as she let out a staggering breath.

"Anna…" the woman whispered.

"Hey, mom… someone's here to visit you," Annabelle ran her fingers through Anna's silver hair, lips leaning in to kiss her forehead. "It's Elsa. Remember her? You always talked about her…"

Still, no response. Those eyes were completely closed, her breathing… slow. Very slow.

Elsa just stared at her face, her beautiful face, and it was no matter if she had wrinkles or if her auburn hair had turned completely white, Anna was still beautiful to her. Determined to get closer, Elsa placed her hands on her arm rests of the wheelchair and lifted herself to stand. Tried to, at least.

And when she just plopped back down, Annabelle quickly came to help her. "Here, be careful…"

Small baby steps strode against the floor, one hand grasping Annabelle's, and another reaching out for the railing on the bed.

There was a moment… when Elsa had gotten this close Anna, that she felt… delighted. So very, very delighted. Anna would want to see her like this. Anna would want her to be here. And with her daughter behind Elsa, she knew… Anna would able to leave in peace.

"Hello, stupid." Elsa chuckled wetly, reaching out to hold Anna's hand. The only response was Anna's fluttering eyelids. And it was then… when Anna had completely opened them, she saw those recognizable teal eyes. But they looked so tired, so well-spent… The blonde leaned down and kissed Anna's forehead. "It's me… Elsa."

No response. The blankness in Anna's eyes as the sick woman turned to her broke Elsa's heart even more. Of course, Anna wouldn't recognize her. Of course, Anna's fingers had no strength to hold Elsa's hand. But that was alright for Elsa. As long as they were able to see each other, as long as Anna was able to sleep well after this, everything was okay.

"I came to visit… just like you wanted, beautiful." She squeezed Anna's limp hand. "Your daughter… is great. I wish I had known though… how much you've been suffering. You've been waiting, haven't you? I'm sorry for leaving you behind. I was inconsiderate of how you felt for me. You're so silly, still holding onto old memories like this." Elsa chuckled, her fingers running through Anna's hair. "But now, I found you. I hope you remembered me…"

Anna simply breathed out. Her dry, pale lips moved ever so subtly, and it was everything that Elsa wanted to see. She had never smiled so widely as she did watching Anna's effort to speak. Anna must have not had a conversation in weeks if these little noises she was making sounded so raspy. Elsa didn't mind though. She was able to hear Anna's voice… She was able to hear Anna let out a sigh… and it was then, that Anna had a glint of light in her own eyes.

Elsa wasn't encouraging her. She was patient. Watching. Listening. Almost crying. "My love, it's alright…"

"E… El…"

Elsa continued watching, hearing… and while Anna was trying her best to say her name, she could see Anna was also trying her best to smile as well. And at that moment, she knew… Anna still remembered her until this day. "Shh, I'm here. I'm here…"

A single tear gently streamed down from the corner of Anna's eye, and just like that, she had closed them. Her fingers weakly tightened on Elsa's hand… and her voice breathed out, "Elsa…"

By 5PM, four hours after their meeting, she was gone.

It had been weeks now. Elsa stared out to the trees from her second floor balcony. Breathing almost felt like pain. It was pain. It was hard to breathe… it was hard to walk, eat, even to talk. But she hung on. Anna would want her to.

Each week, on the same night, at the same time… they would meet. Elsa loved it. Always loved every moment of it.

On the first day after her passing, Elsa couldn't let her go. The whole six hours, Elsa had been crying… getting on her knees, apologizing to Anna for forgetting about her. Leaving her alone because she was going to move away. The worst thing about this? Anna couldn't comfort her enough. By the time midnight had passed, she was back in her own home, hugging nothing but air. Even then, she could feel Anna's warmth. She could feel the shadow of arms wrapped around her. She needed this. She needed to be there…

And Anna did not want her to hurry.

It felt like an eternity. It felt like time had cursed her. But Elsa honored that wish.

Time was running out though. Elsa's condition was getting worse.

And right now, she realized there was one thing she wanted, at last. One thing that she needed to make herself feel better.

Anna's photo of them together laid still on her lap. She had been gazing at it for the longest time, thinking about her lover… thinking about how much she needed to be by her side. If she couldn't be by her husband's side… she needed to be by Anna's. And who knows? Anna must feel very, very lonely. But she knew Anna. That girl would make friends in a flash. That girl… probably would be writing novels or finishing one up.

She had even called Belle to grab the small simulator. Besides… it was almost time.

"Elsa, are you feeling alright? Here… drink some water…" Belle offered her a glass, another hand holding the small capsule that was the simulator and the remote control.

Elsa shook her head. "Belle, it is time."

"Time?"

Slowly, she grabbed Belle's hand and gazed at her with the warmest of eyes, filled with beautiful memories… but all Elsa could see was Anna. "I want to pass over."

And it was silent. She knew Belle as being just the most wonderful caretaker for the past few years. Of course she wouldn't want Belle to see her this way, wouldn't want Belle to do the honors of sending her into a simulation one last time… but it had to be for Elsa's wishes. Her peace. And knowing how caring Belle was, she recognized Belle would want that too.

The brunette silently got on her knees, her eyes meeting on her level. Those eyes were just so kind. She had to be understanding. "Elsa… you really miss her, don't you? It's only been a month."

Elsa stretched out a distant smile. "It's not just her. My body… it's not doing anymore good for me. I want you to rest… I want to give this body a rest, as well." She squeezed Belle's hand. "Would you take me to the hospital?"

Belle looked down, contemplating. "Won't you think a little bit more about this?"

"Belle, I have thought long and hard about this. At 95… sweetheart, I have lived a long life. I have fulfilled all of my dreams. I raised a family. You have become my greatest friend. I would love to move forward now."

And finally, with a nod, Belle agreed, "okay… I will call the hospital. I will always, always wish you the best on your journey, Elsa."

Driving through the road in the early morning wasn't so bad. The sun was barely up, the streets were empty, the road was incredibly bare… and Anna could just enjoy the wind kissing her skin, brushing on her hair. New York in the 80s was one of best times of her life, and she was able to enjoy all of it forever.

With her left arm laid on top of the door of her red convertible, her other just lazily on the steering wheel, she was having the time of her life, listening to the music blaring in the morning. Throughout these weeks, her novel was done. Her characters got a romantic ending, and everyone lived a happily ever life. It was heaven, honestly… and this? This was heaven.

"Ooh, baby, do you know what that's worth? Ooh, heaven is a place on earth~ they say heaven, love comes first!" she sang, a smile on her face, and sure, nobody was next to her to see it and hear her sing, but at this rate… who even had the time to care about anything?

Perhaps, half of the people that were here would have a curfew, and perhaps, half of them did not because they had passed over, but everyone… everyone was here to have a good time. Oh, she would love a good time. But it was life, itself. A second life.

She wouldn't have to get out of this world… this simulation anymore. Her body wouldn't be there to suffer. They would say it would suffer and convulse if Anna were still alive and wanted extra time after the set curfew in there, in this city… but there was nobody here that would tell her off anymore. Nobody would lecture her about death or life. Especially, when she wasn't alive. But, Gods, she felt alive. Here!

This… this was what she wanted. Living.

With sunglasses on, she drove her way down to Orchard Beach, leaving the car close by to the sands. This was the best time to enjoy the view.

With a white blouse, a t-shirt, and denim shorts on, she strode to the sands and the waves. Even being by herself, she felt… so in peace. It was just so lovely here. The waves crashed in such a gentle manner, the sky was slowly becoming brighter, and she could hear the few cars passing by behind her.

Taking a deep breath, she looked around, kicking her foot in the sand… and she watched as the bubbles of waves washed those sands away. She smiled, managing to pick up a shell that the ocean had bought to land. The surface was a wonderful color of white and silver, and if she dared to open it, she would… but she didn't and threw it back into the water.

"Honestly, I'd thought you'd crack open that shell. Interesting approach."

That familiar voice. For a moment, Anna thought she was dreaming - perhaps, actually going crazy for her to hear that voice. She looked at the pale of her wet hands, and while Anna thought she was dreaming… this felt real. Very real.

The smile on Anna's face immediately disappeared, and her whole body turned around to see a familiar blonde with her beautiful smile. There were… a whole lot of confusing questions coming to her mind. It was not time for her to come back into the simulation - there were four more days left. It wasn't even evening… and she was here in the early morning? They were supposed to only meet once a week, but the week hadn't even ended yet.

Anna's heart pounded even louder when she noticed what that woman was wearing. Her outfit… she was wearing such a pure, beautiful white dress… And Anna thought this wasn't her thing.

"Did you miss me?"

Anna was in complete disbelief, her hands covering her mouth. She trembled, unable to speak, unable to even begin to describe how beautiful, how pure Elsa looked. One thing was clear though - Elsa decided to stay.

Though wanting to cry, Anna just stared in awe, and a huge smile crossed her face. "You're… here." Elsa mirrored her soft expression, hands behind her back. "And this time, I'm not leaving you." She kicked her bare feet in the sand, taking a deep breath of the oceanic air. "Besides, I already feel guilty for leaving you alone these past couple of days. Look, you're already doing crazy stuff, like being on a beach at this hour. And picking up shells, throwing them back in the water."

The redhead could barely hold down a chuckle, letting happy tears rolled down her cheeks. "God, I missed you so much, Elsa."

"You missed me so much that you're crying? I'm sorry, love."

Anna shook her head. "Happy tears… I-I thought… I thought you'd never come back."

"Silly, you wouldn't even be able to take care of yourself if you're left here for a week by yourself. I bet you finished your novel already."

"Mostly finished." Anna chuckled again, and through their joyful silence, her arms opened. "Come here, you." And just like that, with a smile on her face, Elsa had run into her arms, jumped right onto her, legs wrapped around the perfect girl, hands holding Anna's cheeks… and no words needed to be said as they kissed.

Oh, Anna was reminded that this wasn't any other kiss. This was a kiss of promise. A promise that they would be together even through life or death.

Anna couldn't stop smiling, couldn't stop crying… but she held it together with that one kiss. Elsa was finally in her loving arms.

"I love you, Anna... I won't ever let you go. I promise." Elsa pressed their forehead together, eyes gazing into each other, thumbs running through the tears that had fallen. This was everything that Anna needed - Elsa in her arms, living in a place where no sadness existed. This was just heaven.

"I love you too, my beautiful. I love you too."

And, finally, this was their happy ending.

"Rumors have been circulating around that the gaming company, PAC - standing for 'Program and Control', has been testing their newest technology with hospital patients and elders that do not have much time to live and are on the brink of passing. While this is a paid-trial, many patients have been misinformed about what kind of simulation they are running. We've learned from inside sources that PAC has been storing data from these patients and letting their testers have a go on patients that have passed away recently. How this works is that these 'gamers' who have paid an incredible price to take on the identity of person who has passed - therefore, taking over their lives, controlling what they do, and making choices for them. This simulation serves as a 'virtual reality game' for the mind; however many have been critical, calling the simulation unethical.

"Now it is unclear if patients who are still alive here have been controlled by these video game players, but many people have been criticizing the company for creating the program, and PAC has garnered more criticism over these past few weeks after circulation of the rumors.

"For now, the launching of the program, still unnamed, will be postponed. PAC has responded to these criticisms and has acknowledged their faults and ethical lapse, saying "we will change our ways and honor those who have used this device to draw in a new life for themselves. We, in no way, want to risk losing our customers. This is a device for entertainment, but also for passed loved ones to also enjoy being in. We have started the process of making a seperate server for players, and we hope that both the living and the dead could serve this device well."

"PAC has made multiple statements so far that these two servers would remain online and separate from each other; however, the rumor has triggered so much criticism that their to-near-perfect score has dropped down to a sixty five. In hopes of making sure their scores improve, PAC has made an effort to suspend these beta-players for now.

"We will be back to discuss a small novel called "Forgetting About Each Other" by Anna Sawyer from 1995, and how it has started gaining attention today - after this commercial. I am Tiana Baker, and this is ABC News."

Based on: Black Mirror (San Junipero)