Angel Yang, PD 8, 5/17/2021, Day C

Angel Yang

Period 8

5/17/21

Day C

Modern Mythology 2021

Creativity & Fiction

It’s a brand new day in Willow Creek full of lush bayous, endless rolling plains, and empty lots. Moving into Rindle Rose, nestled right between the friendly Pancakes and the bustling neighborhood river, felt as easy as a click of a button.

I can recount my first day as if it were just 20 minutes ago. I walked through the doors of my new home as if I were compelled to do so, likely because of the welcoming nature of the world around me. However, my two-bedroom house seemed eerily unfamiliar once I passed through the doors. I know this is where I would reside, rest, and relax, but it was as if someone else had chosen it for me. Whatever, I thought to myself, I should just move on.

Job hunting was my next task. I picked up my cell phone and scoured the web for open applications in the area. Law enforcement piqued my interest, but I ended up going with an opening at a local business firm. It didn’t feel right. Luckily, I landed the job the moment I sent my application even without an interview!

That’s when I noticed others around me at the door of my own home: a man and a girl. The man looked to be around my age whereas the girl was much younger. Both looked puzzled and out of place as they studied their environment. Oddly enough, the child resembled the man and I. While I didn’t recognize them, it felt as if I should. 

I approached them to ask how they were in hopes of figuring out some answers. Rather than hear English like the thoughts in my head, I heard myself speak gibberish in a disturbingly cheerful tone.

“Oh feebee lay,” the man responded back in the same strange language. He understood the gibberish I said to him but was visibly confused by what came out of his mouth.

I replied in an instant, “Bobasnot. Awasa poa.” I spoke without thinking as if queued or programmed to do so, and that ended our brief exchange.

I walked through the plainly decorated living room and into the kitchen realizing I’ve never seen my house before. I didn’t even remember willing myself to walk towards the stove, but there I was, starting on an omelette for the three of us. I watched as my arms combined the ingredients together in a bowl then poured the mixture onto the pan like an outsider, completely detached from the actions my body was doing.

The next thing I knew I was serving the meal at the dining table. I glanced out the window and saw the Sun was beginning to set. Omelettes don’t take hours to make nor did it feel as if mine did. Either I had lost track of time or time had jumped. By the time we finished the meal, it was pitch black outside. Time passed suspiciously quickly here.

This whole day felt like I was putting on a performance. I had a sense of someone watching my every move, waiting for me to complete functions and move on to do the next. I was holding my breath waiting for something that I couldn’t quite put my finger on.

Looking to the sky, I saw a big white menu span the clouds and cover the stars. Options included “Save,” “Save As,” “Game Options,” “Help,” “Exit to Main Menu” and more. My eyes tracked a mouse cursor moving towards “Save and Exit” and I discovered the grave reality of my situation. I am stuck in a simulation game.