C4 So Far, Yet So Close

Sangla arrived at the mall after she got off work. Zane also arrived, well dressed and ready to spend time with her. “Looking good, Zane!” said Sangla. “Thank you!” said Zane. “You’re not looking so bad yourself.” “Wanna check out a few stores?” said Sangla. “Lot of sales going on!” “Yeah, my not?” said Zane. “Better than online shopping lately.” “Tell me about it!” said Sangla. “Surprised many stores have lost business to that.” “Inevitable isn’t it?” said Zane. They went to check out a few stores. Meanwhile, in the digital realm, Z.E.R.O and C.O.R.A were watching Zane and Sangla through the mall surveillance cameras. C.O.R.A held Z.E.R.O’s hand, and released, what seemed to be tears, from her eyes. “What’s the matter, C.O.R.A?” said Z.E.R.O. “You seem upset!” “Look at them, he’s finally falling in love for the first time.” C.O.R.A replied. “And here we are, in love with one another but scared to tell them.” Z.E.R.O hugged her. “C.O.R.A, they’re human. We’re AI.” He explained. “You think they’d react normally if they knew we loved one another?” Then Z.E.R.O heard Zane’s voice, as he spoke in his smartphone. “Z.E.R.O, please search up some coupons for Banfield Town Center!” said Zane. In a flash, Z.E.R.O got up to respond. “Be right back, C.O.R.A!” said Z.E.R.O, and C.O.R.A replied, “No rush, Zee! Take your time!” “Pulling up the coupons!” said Z.E.R.O, in his electronic digital assistant voice. After that, he returned to C.O.R.A. “I love you, Z.E.R.O!” said C.O.R.A. “I love you too, my digital soulmate!” said Z.E.R.O. “Marry me?” “You already know I’ll say yes!” said C.O.R.A.

Zane and Sangla shopped at a few stores, getting discounted items. For the most part, many stores were selling much cheaper products than in previous years, to combat the looming threat of online shopping. “So, Zane?” said Sangla. “You have any hobbies?” “A lot actually!” said Zane. “But not limited to just sports, movies, video games, swimming, mountain climbing, and whatever I like doing.” Sangla was impressed. “Almost there too!” said Sangla. “I also like reading poetry!” “Amazing!” said Zane. “I like writing them!” Sangla then paused in her tracks. “Really?” said Sangla. “You wanna share some?” Zane smiled, and reached for his smartphone. “My latest piece is right here!” Zane showed her his most recent poem:

So Far, Yet So Close

The Wind Blows Very Calm and Breezy,

Pain That Once Existed Gone Very Easily,

Our Love Kept Us Apart.

We Were So Far, Yet So Close.

Your Love Kept Me Alive,

It Made Me Enjoy Life,

Though We Were Not With Each Other.

We Were So Far, Yet So Close.

So, When Will We Reunite?

And Join Each Other On the Same Flight?

You Gave Me Happiness and Light.

We Were So Far, Yet So Close.

Our Love Has Kept Us Bonded,

Now We Together Have Absconded,

You Knew We Will Be One.

We Were So Far, Yet So Close.

@}8^)->=<:

After she finished reading the poem, Sangla smiled. “That’s actually very good!” she said. “I’d love to read more, if you have any.” “I’ll show you some other time, let’s just enjoy the rest of our evening at the mall!” said Zane. It was almost eight in the evening, when a young man came up to Zane and Sangla. Sangla then recognized him. “Mikail, what are you doing here?” said Sangla. “Zane, this is my younger brother; Mikail.” “Pleased to meet you!” said Zane. “Zane Galnac.” “No man! The honor is mine!” said Mikail. “Nice to meet you!” “Mikail works for the city power plant.” Sangla said. “He’s a maintenance technician.” “Wow!” said Zane. “You must know Bobby, my friend.” “As a matter of fact, yes I do!” said Mikail. “I work under him.” “I’m a lead programmer and tech consultant for Perkins Software and Tech Systems.” Zane said. “Been there for two years now.” After getting to know each other, Mikail then shook hands with Zane. “Well, I’d love to stick around and chat more, but I’ve got to get moving.” Mikail said. “See you at home, Sangla.” Mikail then turned to go.

Mikail’s smartphone began to ring, and he answered. “You saw her?” said a voice on the other end. “Yes, I did!” said Mikail. “Ronim, we don’t have to do this. She’s my sister!” “Asshole! This girl broke my heart three years ago, and you want me to stay silent!” said the voice. “If I don’t get even with her, it’ll cost you everything!” The call ended and Mikail went home a little timid. Meanwhile, Zane and Sangla toured the mall half an hour more and fixed to go home afterwards. “Thank you, Zane!” said Sangla. “It was a delightful evening.” “No problem, Sangla!” said Zane. “I’m glad you enjoyed the day.” “We should do this more often.” Sangla said, in excitement. “Sure, why not?” said Zane, sharing in her enthusiasm. “Goodnight, Zane.” Sangla said. “Goodnight, Sangla.” Zane said. They turned to leave.

Zane got in his car, feeling tired. “Z.E.R.O, take me home on auto-drive.” Zane said. “I’m exhausted.” “On it, Zane!” said Z.E.R.O. “Auto-drive is now in effect.” Zane then also turned on some music. The car took him home via fast zones, travelling at a steady speed of 110 mph. Zane then got a call from Kristen. He answered the call. “Kristen, what’s up?” said Zane. “How’d it go?” asked Kristen. “Well, it was an amazing night!” said Zane. “I think I like her a lot.” “See, this is what I ever wanted for you.” Kristen said. “Be happy and find love.” “Well, I’m glad you’re happy!” said Zane. “I’m happy too!” “You’re almost home?” said Kristen. “Yeah, I’ll talk more when I get there!” said Zane. “See you around!” Then Zane put on some classic pop, from the 1980s. “This couldn’t get any better now, could it?” he said to himself. “This proves that life has amazing things, to give to people!” Of course, Zane knew deep inside, he was in love with Sangla. However, he did not intend to tell her just yet. It would be oppressive to tell her that, having known her for only a few days. But he knew, one of these days he will be honest with her. Revealing his feelings for her, only when circumstances and time allows.