. Sam had always loved trains, something about how cool they thought all the machinery working in perfect harmony to be. They are 14 at this point and Papa is taking them to train museums. He even bought them a conductor hat and everywhere the two of them go he gets them a pin signifying a different railway or defunct rail company that Sam can pretend they worked at. They love the idea of working as a train engineer, mostly alone but the engine and the scenery to keep them company. As the day winds down the two of them get icecream and then take it home to finish it. "I love you." Papa says while he finishes his treat.
"I love you too Dad." Sam says before their recollection gets fuzzy once more.
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Sam was once again in her room on her phone playing games. "I wonder if he would still like me if I told him?" she thought as she lost yet another round because she was distracted.
No point in trying to play if I am going to get distracted at every turn and tank my rating. I think that date went pretty well. He seems to like me... I mean we made out and I brought him to kissing ridge so obviously he doesn't hate me. He doesn't even know me though. Maybe we should slow down. I mean I feel like I know him from the ... calling it a game doesn't seem right, it felt like a whole life... but he definitely didn't put me together with her.. and he didn't even flinch when I mentioned the ring he got me..
-----
Matthew was similarly sitting in his chair, but instead of an old phone he was holding a book he had gotten from the library. "LGBTQIA, what does it mean? A guide to not looking unknowledgable on your first gay date."... I am actually so glad I found this or I wouldn't have realized what he meant by "ring" I would have assumed he meant a ring for a finger... I better study this book like it is a holy scripture before I go to bed. He is so thoughtful he bought me a second alarm clock. Then again he probably just didn't want a repeat of this morning.
As he thought all this he was getting sleepier and sleepier. As his eyes shut he began dreaming of the game world. He dreamed of how he had lived in the world after he left. Just before he woke up his mind sort of woke up mid dream. "Wait! Ring! Recieved a ring that was very meaningful! Why am I connecting him with this girl? And besides this is just a dream not a memory. I can't wait till the game opens up again at the end of the month."
*BEEP BEEP BEEEEP* Matthew bolted up, refreshed and ready for a day at work. He threw his clothes on and grabbed an everything bagel on his way out. He walked through the lobby and down the street where he saw he was actually on time for the bus. Normally he would be but the past few days have been hectic.
"Hey Matty boy, haven't seen you in a couple days? you been feeling alright?" Dave, the middleaged bus driver who Matt would always talk to, asked.
"Yeah I missed you a couple days ago and a stranger gave me a ride... we actually went on a date yesterday."
The bus started moving as Matt stood holding a railing and talking. "Must not have went that well if she didn't want to give you a ride today."
"No they just understand that I am an adult who can find his own rides."
"Well I hope she doesn't let you get away like that last one. What was her name again? Clair?"
"No Sammie isn't like Clær. He doesn't just like my body."
Dave is shocked for a second, "Wait. He? You have been gay this whole time and you never asked my number?!"
This time Matt was the one shocked, "Wait Dave are you gay!?"
"No, but it would have been nice to be asked!" he cackled for a bit, "I used to do drag though! Dutchess they called me. Which I suppose is a bit off from the norm. If we weren't here I'd tell you about how I am sure I don't like men."
"Next time... Dutchess." Matt said with a wink after making sure noone could hear but Dave. Matt scampered off before Dave could reply.
As Matt approached the station he noticed someone was already pumping gas. He waved politely as went to unlock the door. He headed to disable the alarm when the customer walked in with their face hidden by the shadow of their big baggy hoody. Matt's heart began to race as he noticed their hand pulling something metallic from their pocket.
"Give me all the money in the safe! Your bank day is today so don't think I am going to be easy to fool!" a masculine voice echoed from the gun pointed at Matt.
He knew he should comply while trying to see anything notable about the attacker's face but all Matt could see was a big metal death stick pointed at his head. He forgot about the alarm entirely as he rushed to the safe which was on a timer and should be opening any second now. Then as it opened it a big canvas back was thrust into his hands by the gun. He started to fill the bag as fast as he could when a piercing sound started to wail. A loud crack was the last thing Matt could remember.
-----
Matthew woke up in Samantha's arms like where his dream had ended. She leaned in her eyes full of tears and whispered, "I loved you Matthew. I wish you were still alive on the other side.. I never told you who I was. I know this is going to get me in trouble since you are just an npc now but I love you." The whole while she cried.
"Calm down Samantha, I am alive and here. I love you too." Matthew said before breaking into song, "Momaaaaah, life had juuust beguun but now I've gone and thrown it alll awayyyy!"
Samantha picked up and started to accompany him as she cried. When they finished the song she started it up again and on like this went the whole night.
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"Sir one of the playtesters was killed! What should we do with their avatar?"
"Nothing, he is an npc now." a dark grin spread on the man in the suit's face. "And as soon as their avatar dies we will have our second energy core."