|
|
| Story |
 
|
(Page 2 of 5) Encounters With Sam: Part 1 by Benjamin SotoTo be perfectly honest I don't think I'll still be alive in a hundred years."
"Nonsense! You're only twenty-five! By the time you reach the age of sixty, life expectancy will have risen yet again. But you need to start taking care of yourself." Robert glanced at the bulge that was Lucas' stomach.
Lucas looked down becoming a bit red in the face from a mixture of embarrassment and a slight tinge of anger. He hated when Robert brought up his physical flaws.
Robert quickly began speaking to take Lucas' mind from what was said. "I'll get to see you as an old man, and you'll see me as I am now. And when that happens you'll be able to fill me in on all the wonderful things you've been doing for the past century."
"I don't like it. There are too many risks."
"I know that this process is something new; even frighteningly so. But it's a new way of experiencing the world. I can't pass this up. I have the money to pay the bills, and with the company in my brother's capable hands his children will carry it on. And those bills will be paid for as long as I'm willing to take the nap every hundred years."
Lucas showed on his face the distrust for the new CryoTech Company and their spectacular offer to let people see the future by living it. He also felt within his chest a great sense of loss as having to see his friend disappear. "I'll miss you Robert."
"I know. I'll miss you too friend."
"I'll just leave it at that then." Lucas stood from the couch. "I'm going to miss coming over here. You always had the best home entertainment system."
"She'll be more than obsolete in a century when I come to dust her off. By that time you'll have a better one."
Lucas smiled looking around and sealing everything within his memory. He then looked to Robert with a face so intense that it could never be forgotten. "You better be careful."
"You too. I won't be around to get you out of any kind of trouble for quite some time."
For a split second Robert thought about giving his childhood companion a hug, but decided against it. He wanted to resist the weight of emotional sappiness a goodbye tended to carry. Lucas was indeed losing a brother even if it wasn't by blood. This caused Robert to feel a pang of sorrow grow within.
No words were spoken as they stared at each other one last time. No words were spoken as Lucas turned his back and walked to the door of the penthouse apartment. Robert watched as his friend exited the extravagant living quarters without a single vocal utterance. The door automatically shut upon Lucas' prompt exit, and Robert was once again alone.
................................
Robert had been left alone to ponder the universe in any direction his mind would take him. The nurse who had given him a series of shots to get the body ready for the process of suspended animation had been gone for some time, and he felt compelled to study the room. The lab quarters assigned him gave the appearance of a light sage color, and the furnishings made one feel quite at home looking just as comfortable as they actually were.
| |
|
|
|
(8 ratings)