episode 1 – digital acquaintance
True feelings undergo a test when virtual impressions challenge reality for a couple brought together by a click.
Anticipating Trouble
True feelings undergo a test when virtual impressions challenge reality for a couple brought together by a click.
THERE are threats that a quickly spreading illness may shut the world down again. One global company is taking precautions by conducting virtual conference meetings locally and abroad. Jake knows everyone in the local office and remains focused on cranking out his quota of reports to further his career. In the lunch break room, while pouring himself a cup of coffee, several coworkers queue up wearing face masks.
“Am I the only one who doesn’t believe we’re facing a plague?”
Ramona replies, “You’ll regret your careless attitude when you run out of paid sick days off.”
He turns his head, mouthing her words in mockery. Then smiles, saying, “Enjoy sipping your coffee with your face covered.”
The same people he was just standing near go into a staff meeting online after lunch, with the safety of revealing their faces. Jake tries to look alert while watching Ramona’s endless charts. When the meeting concludes, he rushes to his desk to finish one more report before clocking out.
With recent raises for his work performance, his salary increased enough to move from his mother’s house to a quaint apartment. It needs a woman’s touch, but it comes with the freedom to stay up as long as he wants, doing what he desires. Most nights, he has no energy for anything more than falling asleep.
Making Advancement
As the first employee in the office and the last to leave, his boss greets him in the morning to bestow a new privilege.
“Jake, you’re firing on all cylinders—just the type of work ethic that can catapult us above our competitors.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
“We have a Tokyo office opening up. I want you to take the lead in bringing them up to speed on company policies.”
The opportunity shortens Jake’s breaths, nearly hyperventilating, he responds, “Does this mean you’re relocating me to Tokyo?”
“It’s too dangerous for that right now, but you’ll be having many more virtual meetings. Different time zones may require group chats from your home. With that in mind, I’m reducing your quota for local reports.”
“I won’t let you down, Sir,” Jake says with a firm handshake. “Thank you,”
After closing the door to his boss's office behind him, Jake jumps silently and clicks his heels. He then goes to his work area and revels over all the emails that forward his workload to Ramona. He spends the rest of the day familiarizing himself with the details of his new job description. In the evening, he attends his first international virtual meeting.
“Hello everyone. My name’s Jake. I’m happy to join you. This is just a get-acquainted meeting. It will be helpful for me to put names with faces. One by one, please introduce yourself and tell me what you do.”
During most introductions, Jake smiles while typing notes that describe their appearance and capabilities. When Mayu begins speaking, his fingers are numb. Entranced in her beauty, he hears little she says. After disconnecting, he searches for her profile in the company directory to discover what he missed. During subsequent meetings, he appears to give her preferential praise.
Unable to maintain a distinction between personal and professional feelings, one evening, he sends a text message, asking, “Can we have a personal chat?”
Making Plans Together
Her reply leads to regular internet chats and a long-distance romantic relationship. He explains that he looks forward to relocation to Japan and that it will be good to have someone familiar to help him get acclimated to the new culture.
“I can’t wait to see you in person. When do you think it might happen?”
“If all goes well, perhaps next month.”
Jake has his passport, suitcases, and landlord notification ready when something he didn’t suspect happens. Due to a virus outbreak, there are no incoming flights to Tokyo for the foreseeable future. This devastates the two lovers but ignites a stronger passion for one another.
“I would rather have been under quarantine with you than barred from you a continent away.”
“You know I feel the same.”
“We’ll get through this. Tell me, Mayu, what does your name mean?”
“It means genuine.”
“Really? I look forward to meeting the genuine you.”
Their private conversations migrate beyond aspirations of dating in person…. During one evening, she participates in a lingerie video chat to maintain Jake’s interest in their long-distance relationship. She thanks him for the compliment that her beautiful body enhances the face he loves so much. This leads to a discussion of possible marriage plans.
“Do you want a wife who works? Or one who raises a family?”
“Your question is too generic. I don’t want any wife….” He sees the disappointment in her eyes during a pause. “I want you to help raise our family.”
Her eyes light up, asking, “Is that a proposal?”
“I think that question should be in a more romantic setting with a ring, but I’m not considering anyone else to raise my children.”
The quarantine lifts after three months, averting a global shutdown. Jake quickly makes arrangements for wheels up as the jet heads toward puffy white clouds and blue skies.
Continued…
Scope: These terms apply across the platform, not per-story. Viewing and evaluation are allowed. Redistribution, adaptation, or production requires express agreement. Use of this material for generative training or republication in any format without authorization is prohibited. Any relation to actual persons or events is coincidental. About 2900 total words.
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