“Time’s up.”

“What? No! I need to go back! Please!”

“Your life savings would give you… maybe a month. Sign here.”

*Frantic scribbling.* “Yes! Take it; just get me back there now!”

The pod clicked closed. The custom Virtuatopia and life support resumed.

“Now we can afford another pod. Excellent.”

Jason was inspired by dystopian literature and the science fiction short stories of Ray Bradbury. With virtual reality at the forefront of gaming technology, Jason wonders if simulations may end up being abused. Escaping reality can be quite addictive. On a more personal note, he is looking forward to high school graduation, attending UC Riverside, and perhaps taking a creative writing course there.