1. The consequences of Virtual Reality

For Bao it was more than a simple game, it was his life.

Since the first concept of Virtual Reality appeared Bao had already developed his interest in diving inside a fictional world, but not like the current 3D games where you simply stare into a monitor, no, no it was something way more immersive. The feeling of a fresh breeze flowing through your hair, the stinging pain of an arrow striking your shoulder and far more would be possible through this innovative technology, allowing you to experience the full extent of freedom and adventure, something he could never do in his real life. It was unthinkable in this day and age to leave behind home and family for something like an adventure, just the thought of it was so ridiculous that he laughed at himself whenever it crossed his mind. Especially now that Virtual Reality was created, you could connect yourself to millions of worlds by simply inserting a small jack into the cavity on your neck, allowing you to do everything you always dreamed of.

After the announced VR system was finally launched, reports that consumers wouldn't leave their rooms for days and weeks were promptly sent to the corporation and when lastly a man started to attack passers-by's with a medieval sword, calling them lowly peasants the government promptly decided to shut down the company and declared VR as an illegal, drug.

Bao, stripped from his new life was soon put in one of many new created rehabilitation facilities for so-called reality junkies. Coming to realise again that you are a graduated high schooler who couldn't find any work for over a year, instead of spaceship pilot was like living the whole trauma again. The cries and screams of other inmates constantly robbed him of his sleep, always there as a reminder of what was awaiting him out there.

"How long has it been" Every day this question arose in his head.

When he stood before the mirror a stranger looked back at him. What were those dark bags under the eyes? What about his body? He could never see the bones of his limbs and he didn't even dare to look at his ribcage. And since when did he have such a big, bushy beard and also his hair continuously blocked his vision. At the end of his analysis, one last question crossed his mind and if it even was for just one second it still scared him.

"Where is my anti-energy suit and blaster?" The words slowly formed on his dried lips but no sound was heard.

As soon as Bao realized what he just said, he ducked and checked his surrounding for microphones or anything that could record audio or hear his voice. Nothing. All tension left his body and with it the remaining energy in him making him crumble on the bed like a bag of potatoes.

"I can't... I can't do this anymore. I feel tired, my body feels heavy even though it's basically just skin and bones and those da..."

"Aaaaagh I want back, let me back to Soradur to my wife!" The scream from a nearby cellar echoed through the corridors.

"Exactly that, those damn screams all day long, not that I don't understand them but... Sigh. What have I done to myself to end in this state." A single, small teardrop rolled down his visible cheekbones as his thoughts slipped out of his mouth.

Without moving he remained silent in the position he fell, not one single twitch or wink. His eyelids felt heavy and started to close themselves but this time no one was here to stop them, there was no will, that hindered them in doing what they could do best.

At least nothing internal, a metallic sound stopped them midway through, halting their movements and beating back some sense into Bao's mind. Again the same sound, this time he recognized the mundane tune of someone knocking at his cell's door.

"Mister Bao are you awake? Can you hear me?" A gentle voice echoed through an open gap in the massive door.

"Yes, yes I'm awake what is it? I think I already took the pills today, no wait or was that yesterday? Did a whole day already pass?"

"You already had your medicine today mister, I'm here to tell you that you'll be released today. Please pack your things I'll wait here to bring you to the exit."

No words came out of his mouth and no winning dance was performed for he had no power to do so, but one single smile as wide as the oceans formed on his face. He did it.