EXCERPT

 The soft melody of Thelonius Monk’s Ask Me Now played from the history archives, seeping through the sleep-gel bed molded around Ray. He pushed himself upright.
The gel mattress hardened to the consistency of a firm bed. Anika’s side of the
bed was empty.

                “Guest-Joy, turn off the music,” Ray said, shivering uncontrollably. A headache pounded at his temple. Tempted to meditate, he pushed down the years of training as a
Portal Communicator. What was the point of being centered and calm without her?     

                The music turned off as Guest-Joy, the house AI, entered the bedroom. She was translucent as a soap bubble and took the form of a walking octopus today. Thin
arms stretched to pick up his clothes from the floor and make the bed. Ray
stumbled to the bathroom.

He splashed water on his face, avoiding the reflection of his bloodshot eyes and brown skin with gray undertones.

                “She’s gone,” he said, gripping the end of the sink. Dead. Unfortunate. Incident.

                Dr. Fuller, the counselor assigned to him by United Continents Incorporated, suggested saying these words would help him heal.