Timeless Love

Chapter 2 : 22nd Century

" -cuse me? Can you hear? "she brought me back from my reverie.

"I'm sorry. My hearing is a bit fuzzy, but it's gradually becoming clear," I responded with a blend of honesty and evasion, my attention partly immersed in savoring the beauty before me.

My head slowly cleared up, no longer weighed down by pain. However, it was still far from being in its best state. Hearing, eyesight, all senses returning back. Finally, with a clear mind, I attempted to piece together where I am and how I ended up here. The harder I tried, the more agonizing it became. Left with no choice, I inquired, "Could you fill me in on how I ended up here? It's quite excruciating trying to map it all back, with all efforts seemingly down the drain."

Partly anticipating solace from her voice and partly driven by genuine intentions to learn about my condition, I turned towards her. However, my hopes were deflated as a hologram emerged from her wristband-an animated, childlike female avatar brimming with energy. "Allow me to do the filling in, Althea. I'm dying for some human interaction. Pretty please," it exclaimed. She sighed and heeded its request with a nod, barely capable of bringing herself to say no.

So, Althea it is. Despite feeling annoyed by the hologram intrusion, I couldn't help but find it adorable as it shared information about its user. The teal-blue luminous projection exhibited vibrancy in both its cadence and appearance.

"I'm Alyssa, Althea's avatar, a personalized AI assistant. You can call me Aly. Rejoice, human. I wouldn't just let anyone call me that, but I've taken a liking to you, so be grateful for the leeway. How do you like me? I like -- --" started blabbering the so-called Aly, to which Althea couldn't help but feel embarrassed and a need to scold. However, maintaining her poise, she hissed with a stern look.

I let out a stifled chuckle, failing to keep it together, and interjected, "It's alright. I can handle a bit of blabbering. And our Aly is undeniably amiable as well. Besides, isn't it your preferences in the first place that spoiled Aly?"

"Wait, how do you know that I customized Aly based on my preferences?" questioned Althea, traces of doubt and surprise on her face. "Blabbering? Spoiled? How dare y-?" Alyssa interjected and withdrew after receiving another firm look.

"Your sweet assistant did say Aly, AKA Alyssa - personalized AI assistant. Emphasis on the personalized. And it's clearly evident even without her spilling the beans," I quipped with a teasing tone, trying to lighten the air.

"Wait, you heeded my blabbering? Ugh! I mean my words. I have an eye for good guys. No wonder I like you," continued Aly, without deviating from her melodramatic tone. "Yes, since you like him. Do the needful and answer his questions. Stick to the questions, minus your blabbering as your accomplice put it," Althea finally played along with a light smile and tease.

"Alright, welcome to 2124, Joe. You've been in cryosleep for a century by now."