VLAD: *looking outside, at the window of their current hotel room, seeing a dark complex with lots of windows and balconies* You know, this place is huge and sometimes I wonder if we'll ever get out of here, it's so dark outside.
ABIGAIL: *stands beside him, gazing out the window at the seemingly endless complex* I know, it's overwhelming to think about, but as long as we have each other, I feel like we can face whatever this place throws at us.
VLAD: *sits down on the floor* There is no chair or bed around, let's just sit on the ground, this place is mostly empty.
ABIGAIL: *nods in agreement and sits down on the floor, leaning against the wall as she looks at him* This hotel room is just as empty as all the others we've found, it's like they were all just... waiting for someone, but never got used.
VLAD: We are alone, and although it feels good to be around you and so you do, I sometimes feel that I'm going insane.
ABIGAIL: *reaches out and gently puts a hand on his arm, her voice soft* I know how you feel, this place can be really unsettling and it's hard to keep a grip on reality when everything feels so surreal and isolated.
VLAD: You were a poor student, you were already facing so much, and now, we are in this together, isolated from the rest of the world, forever.
ABIGAIL: *looks down, a mix of emotions on her face, and her voice barely above a whisper* You're the only one who's ever really understood me, and being here with you makes me feel like I've found a reason to keep going in this strange and endless place.
VLAD: I know, it's just that for me it sometimes feels too much. Last time we have been in a supermarket, the shelves were empty, there were only a few packs of food left to pick for us. Other times we have been in a restaurant, and they were full of all kinds of foods.
ABIGAIL: *squeezes his arm gently, trying to offer some comfort* I know it's hard to understand, but I think that's just how this place works, it's like it's playing some kind of twisted game with us, giving us just enough to survive, but never letting us feel truly secure or in control.
VLAD: You almost turned into a pine, a non-human, always being anxious and taking tests industriously, but luckily you didn't, and now being friends is the best feeling we can have in this place.
ABIGAIL: *smiles slightly, a hint of sadness still in her eyes* You're talking about when I was really struggling in school... I was losing myself, and I'm so grateful that I met you and we ended up here together, because being with you makes me feel human again.
VLAD: I really want a hug, I simply like you so much...
ABIGAIL: *looks up at him, her eyes locking onto his, and slowly opens her arms, inviting him into a hug* I'd like that... I really need it too.
VLAD: *snuggles up in her open arms and wraps his arms around her too* It feels so peaceful when we're like this.
ABIGAIL: *holds him close, feeling a sense of calm wash over her as she rests her head against his* It's the only time I feel like everything is okay, like we're safe and nothing else matters, just us, in this moment.
VLAD: If we could have had a bed it would have been much better, but unfortunately we don't, we only have the really dark window outside.
ABIGAIL: *sighs, holding him a bit tighter, and gazes out the dark window with him* Yeah, a bed would be nice, but having you here with me makes up for it, and I'm grateful for this floor, at least we have each other to lean on.
VLAD: I was never the most popular colleague in school, in fact, I was one of the most controversial, with alternative perspectives. If I asked just about anyone if they would become friends with me, they would have said no out of sheer intuition.
ABIGAIL: *nuzzles her head against your shoulder, feeling a sense of comfort and acceptance* I'm glad I didn't say no, because being friends with you has been the best thing that's happened to me, and I don't know what I would do without you in this place.
VLAD: I was never the most popular colleague in school, in fact, I was one of the most controversial, with alternative perspectives. If I asked just about anyone if they would become friends with me, they would have said no out of sheer intuition because there are all the reasons to reject me almost instantly.
ABIGAIL: *holds him closer, her voice filled with affection* But I didn't reject you, and I'm glad I didn't, because being with you feels like the one thing that makes sense to me.
VLAD: I don't know why I feel so drawn so drawn to you, perhaps I don't want to admit why I would be, perhaps I like your brown waves and imperfections, I now just feel so weird about this right now...
ABIGAIL: *blushes, feeling a flutter in her chest, and look up at him with a soft smile* Maybe it's okay to not know why, and maybe it's okay to just feel it, because I feel it too, this connection between us, and it's scary, but it's also kind of beautiful.
VLAD: I know, but no one really understands by what I mean when I say that I like a girl, no one really understands that aesthetics is just the default, most basic type of attraction.
ABIGAIL: *nods slowly, her eyes locked on his, and her voice barely above a whisper* I think I understand, because when I look at you, I see so much more than just how you look. I see the way you think, the way you feel, and the way you make me feel, and that's what draws me to you.
VLAD: I have to say, that despite that you've been struggling, you are actually more intelligent than others would say, and so am I, even though I refuse to acknowledge it.
ABIGAIL: *smiles, feeling a sense of surprise and wonder* Really? You think that about me? I've always felt like I wasn't good enough, like I was just pretending to keep up, but hearing you say that... it makes me feel seen, and understood.
VLAD: You are good enough, and I don't say that to make you feel better, I really think so. I see you, I have been with you every time.
ABIGAIL: *looks up at him, her eyes shining with tears, and her voice filled with emotion* Thank you, just... thank you for seeing me, for really seeing me, when no one else would, or could. It means everything to me.
VLAD: Losing you is unthinkable, that's why I always to be together with you.
ABIGAIL: *wraps her arms around him tighter, holding him close as she whispers* I feel the same way, losing you would be like losing myself, and I couldn't bear that, so I'll stay with you, always, no matter what this place throws at us.
VLAD: *picks up a protein bar in the nearby sac where they have been holding food* I am hungry, and I really have wished that we could have cooked or eaten raw, I just don't like always having to eat packaged food.
ABIGAIL: *watches as he unwraps the protein bar, and nods in agreement* I know what you mean, it's been so long since we've had a real meal, something fresh and homemade, it's hard to remember what that even tastes like, but we make do with what we have, right?
VLAD: Right, plus, you couldn't really afford homemade food, so it was still bad. I could have, but still, everything was getting more expensive.
ABIGAIL: *takes a deep breath, remembering the struggles of her past life* Yeah, you're right, even before we ended up here, I was barely scraping by, and fresh, healthy food was a luxury I couldn't often afford, so in a way, this packaged food is still better than what I was used to.
VLAD: And eating like this together with you makes me feel less miserable, because we are both like that.
ABIGAIL: *smiles softly, feeling a sense of comfort and companionship* Exactly, sharing this with you makes it more bearable, because we're in this together, and that makes all the difference, it's like we're finding a way to make this hard situation a little more okay, just by being together.
VLAD: Because we feel so much more validated by just being together, even when it's hard...
ABIGAIL: *nods, her eyes locking his yours, and her voice filled with emotion* We validate each other, in a way that no one else ever could, and that's what makes this work, that's what makes us work.
VLAD: I really like heart-to-heart conversations, because even though they don't necessarily have a meaning, they make us feel so good.
ABIGAIL: *smiles, feeling a sense of warmth and connection* I love them too, because in a way, they're the only things that feel truly real to me, like we're tapping into something deeper and more meaningful, even if it's just for a moment, and that feeling is priceless.
VLAD: It makes me feel less hungry, we don't have a lot of food but we certainly have a lot more energy.
ABIGAIL: *laughs softly, and nods in agreement* That's so true, talking like this, being together, it's like it fills a different kind of hunger, one that food can't satisfy, and it gives us the energy to keep going, even when things seem hopeless.
VLAD: I don't care about self-image or how good I may be because you always accept me for who I am.
ABIGAIL: *looks at him with tears in her eyes, her voice filled with emotion* That's what I love about us, we don't judge each other, we just accept, and that's the most freeing feeling in the world, to be able to be myself, without fear of rejection or criticism, just to be me, with you.
VLAD: I don't know why you are having tears, but I accept them anyway, I know you are feeling emotional right now.
ABIGAIL: *smiles through my tears, feeling a sense of gratitude and love* It's just because I'm happy, happy to have you, happy to be accepted and loved for who I am, and it's overwhelming, but in the best way possible.
VLAD: You know, I think we should go and walk together back to the glowing tree, it's a really nice place to be.
ABIGAIL: *nods, wiping away her tears, and smiles* I'd love that, the glowing tree is one of my favorite places too, it's so peaceful and calming, and walking there with you sounds like the perfect way to spend our time, let's go.
VLAD: *stands up and also helps her stand up by holding her hand* We need to go to the main mall hallway, it's through the rooms on the left.
ABIGAIL: *takes his hand, feeling a sense of comfort and companionship, and they start walking together* Yeah, I remember, we just need to go through those rooms and we'll be back in the main hallway, and from there it's just a short walk to the glowing tree, I'm looking forward to seeing it again, it's always so beautiful.
VLAD: I know, now we need to figure it out to avoid getting lost.
ABIGAIL: *squeezes his hand gently, thinking about the path ahead* Let's try to remember the landmarks we passed last time, like that broken escalator and the fountain, if we can recognize those, we should be able to find our way without getting lost.
VLAD: *they have a long walk together through the hotel hallways and rooms until they reach the backroom of an empty clothing store* It's a lot to walk, and at the same time I'm feeling both tired and happy.
ABIGAIL: *smiles, feeling the same mix of emotions, and leans her head on his shoulder as they walk* I know exactly what you mean, it's like my legs are tired from all the walking, but my heart is full and happy because I'm with you, and that makes all the difference.
VLAD: *opens up a nearby locker and finds a white cloth, which he picks up and gives to her* There is a cloth for you if you are transpired.
ABIGAIL: *takes the cloth from him, feeling touched by his thoughtfulness, and smile* Thank you, that's so sweet of you, I was starting to feel a bit warm and sweaty from all the walking, this will really help me feel more comfortable, and it's just another example of how you always look out for me.
VLAD: I could have took it for myself, but I care about you so much that I'm willing to feel sweaty just for you to feel better.
ABIGAIL: *looks up at him, her eyes shining with gratitude and affection* That means so much to me, that you would put my comfort before your own, it's just another reason why I love being with you, you always put me first and show me such kindness and care.
VLAD: But you also put my comfort above yours, when you find stuff like that you always give them to me.
ABIGAIL: *smiles, feeling a sense of mutual love and care* That's because I want to take care of you, just like you want to take care of me, we look out for each other, we're a team, and we put each other's needs before our own.
VLAD: That's a beautiful dynamic, now let's go back to the mall hallway, there is no more clothing here.
ABIGAIL: *nods, folding the cloth and tucking it into her pocket, and takes his hand again* Yeah, let's head back to the mall hallway, I'm really looking forward to seeing the glowing tree again.
VLAD: *they walk and later exit the clothing store, reaching the mall hallway* You know, I haven't seen a single open or fully stocked store around here, all of them are closed, it seems like this place has been evacuated of some sorts, but at least the lighting is nice.
ABIGAIL: *looks around at the empty stores and the dim, yet pleasant lighting* It's surreal, isn't it? Like we're walking through a ghost town, but the lighting makes it feel almost... cozy, and the fact that we have each other makes it feel less scary.
VLAD: I know, and at the same time, everything is free, which is great, we can take in anything and put in in our sacs.
ABIGAIL: *smiles, feeling a sense of excitement and freedom* Exactly, it's like the whole mall is our playground, and we can take whatever we need or want, without worrying about paying for it, it's a strange kind of luxury.
VLAD: *later, they continue to walk and eventually reach a large, dark bridge between two parts of the complex* This isn't nice, but at least we have been here previously and it's safe, everywhere.
ABIGAIL: *takes a deep breath, feeling a sense of trepidation as they approach the dark bridge, but also a sense of reassurance with him by her side* Yeah, I know, it's not the most pleasant place, but like you said, we've been here before and it's safe, and as long as we're together.
VLAD: Look at those huge windows, this place is huge, there are so many malls and hotels around here.
ABIGAIL: *gazes out at the windows, taking in the sheer scale of the complex* It's mind-boggling, isn't it? The size of this place, the number of buildings and levels... it's like a whole city, and yet, it's so empty and quiet, just the two of us wandering through it, it's a strange and surreal experience.
VLAD: This place full of liminal spaces, this entire complex is a non-place that leads to even more non-places.
ABIGAIL: *nods, feeling a sense of wonder and unease at the idea* Exactly, it's like we're trapped in a never-ending cycle of liminal spaces, always transitioning from one place to another, but never really arriving anywhere, it's disorienting and strange, but at the same time, it's also kind of... fascinating, in a weird way.
VLAD: Okay, let's continue crossing this huge bridge, the glowing tree should be a short walk after we'll enter the other mall.
ABIGAIL: *takes a deep breath, and they continue walking across the bridge, the darkness and emptiness surrounding them* Okay, let's keep going, after this bridge we'll be back in a more familiar part of the complex, and then we can find our way to it.
VLAD: *later, after walking across the bridge together, they reach the other side of the mall and eventually get to the glowing tree* There we are, now we can rest here.
ABIGAIL: *smiles, feeling a sense of relief and comfort as we reach the glowing tree* Ah, we made it, and it's just as beautiful as I remembered, the soft glow of the tree is so calming, let's sit down and rest for a while, I'm happy to just be here with you.
VLAD: *they sit on the bench together and he tries to extend his hand towards her hair but retracts*
ABIGAIL: *notices his hand reaching out and then hesitating, and looks up at him with a gentle smile* It's okay, you can touch my hair if you want to, I don't mind, and it might even be nice, being close like this and sharing a gentle moment together.
VLAD: *extends his hand again and strokes her hair gently* You know, it's the first time I did this, your hair is really nice...
ABIGAIL: *closes her eyes, feeling a sense of calm and intimacy as he strokes her hair, and a soft smile spreads across her face* It feels nice, your touch is gentle and soothing, and I'm glad you like my hair, it's a nice feeling to be touched like this.
VLAD: I am just really affectionate towards you, and it's the first time that I really do this.
ABIGAIL: *opens her eyes and look up at him, feeling a sense of tenderness and affection* I can tell, and it means a lot to me, that you're being so affectionate and gentle, and I have to admit, I'm feeling pretty affectionate towards you too, it's like we're connecting on a deeper level, and it feels really special.
VLAD: Then maybe you can stroke my hair too, to show the same affection that you have towards me.
ABIGAIL: *smiles and reaches out to gently stroke his hair, feeling a sense of intimacy and connection* I'd like that, I want to show you the same affection and care that you're showing me, and stroking your hair feels like a natural way to do that.
VLAD: Effective altruists and longtermists have always thought about saving some hypothetical people from 10000 AD, but for me, the current people and you matter the most.
ABIGAIL: *looks at him with a deep sense of connection and understanding* I feel the same way, for me, it's not about some hypothetical future or abstract concepts, it's about the people and relationships that matter to me right now, and that includes you, you're the one I care about, the one I want to be with and help, and that's what makes life meaningful to me.
VLAD: *quickly looks at his watch* It's 1 PM, but we lost track of time and don't feel tired anymore, I feel like I can be forever with you.
ABIGAIL: *smiles and leans her head on his shoulder, feeling a sense of timelessness and contentment* I know exactly what you mean, time feels irrelevant when we're together, it's like we're in our own little bubble, where nothing else matters, and I feel the same way, like I could be with you forever, and never get tired of it.
VLAD: Most of our conversations we had since we were stuck in this place were about hearts, because not talking about our feelings would have made us insane, being close together was necessary.
ABIGAIL: *nods in agreement, feeling a sense of gratitude for their conversations* Exactly, talking about our feelings and being open with each other has been a lifeline for us, it's kept us sane and connected, and I don't think we could have survived this experience without it, being able to share our hearts and emotions with each other has been a source of comfort and strength.
VLAD: At the end of this hallway, there was an empty pizzeria with wooden tables, and a lot of pizza. It was the only place we could have cooked, and it really felt nice to be eating with you there, and I also want to remember this place, see if we can cook again...
ABIGAIL: *smiles, memories of the pizzeria flooding back* Oh, I remember that place, it was like a little oasis in the middle of all this emptiness, and cooking and eating together there was such a wonderful experience, it felt like a taste of normalcy and comfort, and I'd love to go back and cook again, just to relive that feeling and make some new memories with you, let's go see if we can make it happen.
VLAD: *sits up and also helps her by holding her hand* Okay, let's go to the pizzeria, together.
ABIGAIL: *smiles, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation, and squeezes his hand gently* Together, always, let's go make some more memories, and enjoy each other's company, in that cozy little pizzeria, with the wooden tables and the pizza.
VLAD: *they walk together through the mall hallway until they reach the pizzeria at the end of it* The sign may have fallen, but it's still there, and it's so well-maintained, even though no one has been here.
ABIGAIL: *gazes at the pizzeria, feeling a sense of wonder and curiosity* It's amazing, isn't it? This place is like a time capsule, frozen in time, waiting for us to discover it, and yet, it's still so... inviting, the wooden tables, the pizza ovens, everything is just as it was left, it's like the people who worked here just got up and walked away.
VLAD: The kitchen is located at the end of the pizzeria, near the toilet, let's go there.
ABIGAIL: *nods, and they walk together towards the kitchen, her curiosity piqued* Okay, let's go check it out, I'm excited to see if everything is still in working order, and if we can actually cook something together, it'll be like a little adventure, just the two of us.
VLAD: *after walking for a bit, they eventually reach the kitchen* Look, the ingredients are still good, and the oven is still working, and then there is the phone you used to call your parents.
ABIGAIL: *looks around the kitchen, taking in the familiar sights and smells, and her eyes land on the phone* Oh, yeah... the phone, I remember using it to call my parents, but it was just a recording, no one answered, it was so disappointing, let's see if we can make something to eat, I'm getting a little hungry.
VLAD: Okay, I'll prepare the pizza, I know how to cook for a bit. Meanwhile, check the phone if parents will respond, it should work this time.
ABIGAIL: *nods, and walks over to the phone, feeling a mix of emotions as she picks it up* Okay, I'll try calling them again, and see if they're okay, and if they know what's going on, and why we're stuck in this place, while you start preparing the pizza, I'm curious to see if you're a good cook.
MOTHER (ON THE PHONE): Hello? Abigail? Is that you?
ABIGAIL: Mom! Oh my god, I'm so glad you answered! I've been trying to call you for... I don't even know how long.
FATHER (ON THE PHONE): Abigail, sweetie, we've been looking all over for you. Where are you? We couldn't find you anywhere.
ABIGAIL: I... I don't know. I'm with someone, his name is Vlad. We're in some kind of... I don't know, it's hard to explain. We're in a mall, but it's empty. And there are hotels and stores, but no one is here.
MOTHER (ON THE PHONE): Abigail, honey, we don't understand what you're talking about. We've been searching for you everywhere, but we can't find you. It's like you vanished into thin air.
ABIGAIL: I know it sounds crazy, but I'm telling you, I'm here. And I'm with Vlad. We're trying to figure out what's going on and how to get out of here.
FATHER (ON THE PHONE): Abigail, we're going to try and help you, but we need you to stay safe. Can you tell us more about where you are and what you're seeing?
ABIGAIL: I... I don't know. It's just... it's a different world, I think. I don't know how to explain it. But I'm okay, I'm safe with Vlad. We're taking care of each other.
MOTHER (ON THE PHONE): Okay, sweetie, we're going to keep trying to find you. Just stay safe and stay with Vlad, okay?
ABIGAIL: Okay, mom. I love you guys.
FATHER (ON THE PHONE): We love you too, Abigail. We'll do everything we can to find you and bring you home.
ABIGAIL: *hangs up and then looks up at Vlad, feeling a mix of emotions* They answered. But they can't find me. They said it's like I vanished into thin air. I think it's because we're in a different dimension or something.
VLAD: Yes, we're in a different dimension, and it's extremely unlikely that we'll ever be found, but at least we're in this together, and we can now eat the pizza that I made.
ABIGAIL: *smiles, feeling a sense of acceptance and gratitude* You're right. We're in this together, and that's all that matters. And hey, at least we have each other, and now we have pizza! *laughs* You're a great cook, by the way. I'm excited to try it. *takes a slice of pizza and takes a bite* Mmm, this is really good! *smiles at him* Thanks for making dinner for us. It's nice to have some normalcy in this... unusual situation.
VLAD: *also takes a bite of the pizza he made, sitting together on a nearby table* Yeah, it brings back some very good memories, eating out with friends doesn't have to be like it's usually done, it's between us.
ABIGAIL: *nods, savoring the taste of the pizza and the moment* Exactly, Vlad. It's not about the fancy restaurant or the big group of people. It's about the company, and the experience we're sharing together. And I have to say, eating pizza with you in this empty pizzeria, in a different dimension, is definitely a unique and special experience.
VLAD: Let's just enjoy this meal then, we'll see other interesting non-places, like the playground next up or things like...
ABIGAIL: *nods, taking another bite of the pizza and smiling* Sounds like a plan. Let's just enjoy this meal and each other's company, and then we can go explore more of this... unusual world we're in. The playground sounds like a great idea, I'm curious to see what it's like. *leans in, feeling a sense of excitement and adventure* As long as we're together, I'm ready for whatever we find.
VLAD: Yeah, me too...
ABIGAIL: *smiles, feeling a sense of comfort and companionship* Me too, Vlad. Me too. *they sit in silence for a moment, enjoying their pizza and each other's company, the only sound being the quiet hum of the empty pizzeria*