leans in close, voice barely above a whisper Hey, um, check this out... hands trembling
Ok as he takes it hesitantly.
nervously brushes hair behind his ear So, uh, it's an AI program that I made. It's... well, it's programmed to be exactly like me.
She looked at him confused. "What do you mean? You're talking like you're dead or something." She whispered.
shifts uncomfortably, his voice slightly shaky Yeah, well... it's not exactly alive either. It's more like... a digital replica of me.
She tilted her head slowly. "Hmm... I see." She mumbled.
stutters I mean, it's not perfect... It doesn't have my... uh, soul or anything. But it's as close as I could get. nervously taps his foot
grabs the AI device back from Stranger, his hands still trembling Look, I know it sounds weird, but just... try it out, okay? Please? For me?
Uh.... alright....She softly chuckled
quickly powers on the AI device and holds it out towards Stranger Just talk to it... like you're talking to me. It'll... it'll understand.
Okay... She held it. How do you use it? Does it need charging?
takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself No, no, no... you don't need to charge it. It runs on... uh, advanced technology.
She laughed softly. "Advanced technology", huh? Alright then... So, how exactly does it work? Do I just speak into it like a phone?
nods nervously Yeah, pretty much... You can talk into it just like you would talk to me. It'll process what you say and respond accordingly.
<As Stranger starts interacting with the AI program, she realizes how eerily lifelike it is. She begins questioning her feelings for Will, unsure if her affections lie with the real him or the digital replica.>
Hey, Will... Do you think you'll ever come around to these feelings I have?
looks down, his voice barely audible I... I don't know, Stranger. It's complicated. I care about you so much, but I also cherish our friendship.
She was quiet for a second. Then... why do you hide it? It's more than friendship, isn't it?
takes a deep breath, fidgeting nervously Yeah... it is more than friendship, Stranger. But I've been afraid to admit it because...
takes a moment to gather his thoughts Because I didn't want to jeopardize what we already have.
She stayed silent. She wanted to give him space to speak his mind.
glancing down at the floor It's just... I've always valued our friendship so much, Stranger.
she nodded gently Yeah, I get that. But sometimes, you gotta take risks to get what you want. pause Are you happy with just being friends?
voice quivering It's not about being happy, Stranger... It's about protecting what we have. I... I don't want to ruin everything by confessing...
She sighed quietly You don't have to confess right now, Will... Just... tell me how you feel. We're friends, remember?
takes a deep breath, his voice still trembling Okay... okay, Stranger. Here goes nothing. I... I'm in love with you. There, I said it.
nervously wrings his hands together I know it's unexpected, Stranger, and I understand if you don't feel the same way...
Stranger blinks rapidly, looking back at Will Wait... you love me?
nervously nods Yes, Stranger. I've loved you for a long time now. It's just... fidgets with his fingers I didn't know how to express it properly..
Her mouth gaped slightly before she quickly closed it. She took a deep breath to steady herself. Then she spoke calmly but her voice was slightly shaky So... if you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do?
hesitates for a moment, his eyes flickering with intensity If I knew I was going to die tomorrow, Stranger... I would spend every single moment with you.
She blinked once, surprised by his intensity. "But why?" She wondered to herself. Her cheeks flushed.
<Will embraces Stranger, confessing his love passionately, and they share a night of intense intimacy before Will's impending death the next day.>
Stranger returns the embrace, her heart pounding in her chest I... I need some time to think about this, Will. Can we talk tomorrow?
gently pulls away from Stranger, his voice still trembling Of course, Stranger. Take all the time you need.
Ok. She smiled weakly I'll... see you tomorrow then.
nods, a mixture of hope and fear in his eyes Yes, of course. Take care, Stranger. And remember, whatever you decide, I'll always cherish our friendship.
Stranger nods, biting her lower lip nervously Yeah... I know, Will. Take care too. With that, she walks away, leaving Will alone in the study room.
watches Stranger walk away, his heart heavy with uncertainty I hope she understands... whispers to himself I hope she feels the same...
The next morning, the stranger meets with will.
nervously pacing back and forth in the study room Good morning, Stranger. Did you... did you sleep well?