Immortality Is Your Final Punishment

Callum traded his mind to save my life. At least, thats what I believed. To repay that debt, I forfeited my ticket home, choosing to stay in this simulated reality just to nurse him back to health.

But three years into my self-imposed exile, the man who supposedly couldn't tie his own shoes drove a black SUV straight into me.

As I lay broken on the asphalt, he stepped out of the car, his hand entwined with his "eternal flame," the girl hed never been able to forget.

"Ive waited so long for this day," he said, looking down at me with eyes that were chillingly sharp. "Once youre gone, Becca and I can take your place. Well have the Program. Well have forever."

It was a masterclass in deception. Hed never been brain-damaged. Hed been a predator in a coma, waiting for the perfect moment to steal the very System that kept me tethered to this world.

What he didnt realize was that I wasnt staying for the perks. I was staying for the punishment.

I closed my eyes and whispered to the void, There are new candidates ready to take my place. Two of them, actually. Can you let me go now?

1.

So, it was all an act? Every single second of it?

I was lying in a pool of my own blood, my vision blurring as I stared up at Callum. He was holding Becca close, his dark eyes devoid of the warmth I had spent three years trying to coax back into them.

Every second, he confirmed. The tenderness was gone, replaced by a cold, efficient cruelty. If I didnt play the fool, how else was I supposed to keep you here? You needed to feel sorry for me. You needed to feel responsible.

I should thank you, though, he added, his voice dropping an octave. If you hadn't let slip how the Program works, I never would have found a way to save Becca.

Becca shivered in his arms, her face a pale, sickly ivory. She was his high school sweetheart, the one whod been fighting a losing battle with leukemia for years.

Callum used to tell me, Her being sick has nothing to do with us, Rose. That part of my life ended a long time ago.

I realized now that hed spent those three years orchestrating this. Every "stupid" smile, every "accidental" touchit was all a blueprint for my murder.

Suddenly, a white-hot agony tore through my chest. This wasnt from the car crash. It was the System.

In this reality, my "Assignment" was to make Callum love me. If his heart turned cold, the Program punished the host. It was a failsafe designed to ensure the Traveler never gave up.

It hurts... I gasped.

The sensation was like being pulled apart by horses. Id felt it many times before, but you never truly get used to your soul being shredded from the inside out.

Is it really that bad? Callum asked, watching me with clinical curiosity. Youre a Traveler. Cant you just tell your little computer to turn off the pain receptors?

His indifference was the sharpest blade of all. I remembered the nights hed spent tucked into my side, whispering that I was his whole world. Id fallen for it. Id loved him so much I told him about the Systemthe secret of the universebecause I thought we were a team. I just never told him about the punishments. I didn't want him to carry that guilt.

The agony spiked. I bit my lip until I tasted copper.

Stop... please, just stop talking, I wheezed. Every word of his rejection was a new physical blow.

Becca stepped forward, looking down at me with wide, faux-innocent eyes. Does it really hurt that much, Rose? She turned to Callum, her voice a fragile trill. Maybe we should forget about the immortality. I don't want to cause her pain.

No, Callum snapped, his gaze softening instantly when it landed on her. Youre not like her, Becca. Shes a Traveler. Even if she dies here, she just goes back to her original world. But if you die, youre gone forever. Dont waste your pity on her.

When Callum wasn't looking, Becca leaned in, a triumphant glint in her eyes. She whispered, Did you know? I told Callum that if he said he hated you, it would make you suffer. Hes been practicing those lines for weeks.

She smirked. He doesnt love you. He never did. Im the lead in this story, Rose. Youre just the understudy.

Callum pulled her back into his embrace, his touch reverent. I finally closed on the estate at Laurel Ridge, he told her. Its going to be our home. Forever.

Id told Callum once that in my real world, I was an orphan with nothing. My only dream was to have a house with a porch and a garden. Hed bought that estate for meor so I thought. Id spent months picking out the tiles, the curtains, the life I thought wed lead.

And now, he wanted me dead so he could move her into my dream.

I let my hand fall limp against the cold pavement. Ive found them, I said to the System in the silence of my mind. The new hosts. Take them. Just let me go.

Callum, if you dont want me, then Im done wanting you.

2.

[System: Understood. Detecting new host candidates for transfer.]

[System: Host, are you certain you wish to split the tether between these two individuals?]

I looked at them. They were wrapped in each others arms, silhouetted by the distant glow of city lights, looking like a postcard for a love that would never end.

For a flickering second, I saw the "stupid" Callum. The one who used to say, Rose, thank you for staying. I love you. The one who warmed my milk every night and held my hair back when I was sick. I had thought he was my anchor.

I was wrong. He was the storm.

Im certain, I whispered.

[System: Initiating transfer sequence.]

Why hasn't the System appeared yet? Becca asked, sounding impatient.

Callum smoothed her hair. Roses probably negotiating with it. Just wait. Whenever she communicates with the Program, she gets that faraway look in her eyes.

[System: Greetings, New Hosts.]

The voice didn't just vibrate in my head anymore. It echoed in the air, cold and synthesized, audible to all of us.

[System: From this moment forward, you are the primary nodes. Please designate your focal point for the Bond.]

I choose Becca, Callum said immediately.

I choose Callum, Becca chirped.

They looked so devoted. So unshakable. It reminded me of the man who once promised, No matter what happens, I will always choose you, Rose.

Well, he was choosing someone else now.

[System: Selection confirmed. However, the synchronization requires a seventy-two-hour stabilization period. You must wait.]

The voice faded from their ears, returning to the private channel in my mind. [System: You have three days before extraction. I will repair the damage from the collision so you may settle your affairs in this world.]

As the words faded, the agonizing heat in my limbs vanished. My shattered bones knit together with a sickening series of pops. I stood up, brushing the dirt from my clothes, and looked at Callum with a hollowed-out soul.

He was beaming. See, Becca? I told you. She can make the System heal anything. Its perfect. Well never be hurt again. Well never have to fear death.

I looked at him, feeling a strange, cold pity. He had no idea what he had just invited in.

3.

I went to the hospital to see my grandfather.

In this simulated world, Grandpa Henry was the only person who had ever felt real. He was the one who gave me his life savings to help Callum buy a car. He was the one who saved his favorite candies in a jar just for me.

In the hallway, I ran into Callum and Becca.

They were holding hands, and Callum was clutching a printed sonogram.

Its a miracle, Becca, he was saying, his voice thick with emotion. Im going to be a father.

The words were a jagged blade through my ribs.

Id asked Callum about having a family once. Back when he was "stupid." Hed told me, I dont want kids, Rose. Theyre too much work. I just want it to be us.

I thought it was just the brain damage talking. Now I realized it was just that he didn't want a life with me. He was already making plans for her while I was still dreaming of us.

[System: Removing emotional feedback loop. You will no longer suffer physical pain based on the focal point's emotional state.]

As the System spoke, a literal weight lifted from my shoulders. The suffocating tether was gone. I could breathe. I was free.

4.

Grandpa Henry smiled when I walked in, handing me a small plastic container. The nurse gave me extra dumplings, Rose. Eat up, kiddo.

The tears came then, hot and fast. If I left this world, what happened to him? I couldn't just leave him with nothing. I needed to get my money.

Everything I ownedevery cent Id earned working three jobs while Callum "recovered"was in his house. Our house.

When I arrived at the driveway, I saw the housekeeper hauling black garbage bags to the curb.

Oh, Mrs. Vance, she said, looking terrified. Mr. Vance told me to clear everything out. He said... he said you wouldn't be living here anymore.

I looked into one of the bags. My things were shattered. Even the plaster hand-molds Callum and I had made together on our first anniversary were smashed into white dust.

I reached for the front door, but the electronic lock beeped red.

He changed the codes, the housekeeper whispered.

I felt a sharp sting in my chest, but I forced myself to take a slow, steady breath. Whats the new code?

She hesitated, but I stared her down. My life is in there. Im not leaving without it.

2018-08-12, she mumbled.

August 12th, 2018. The day Callum and Becca started dating.

I took two steps back, a hysterical laugh bubbling up in my throat. Yesterday, he was sleeping in my bed, whispering that he loved me. This morning, he led me to a deserted road for a "surprise," blindfolded me, and tried to end my life.

Callum, you wanted my life so badly. You wanted the Program. But you have no idea how heavy the crown is until it starts crushing your skull.

5.

I pushed the door open. Callum was there, leaning over the kitchen island, his hands on Beccas waist. He was looking at her with a hunger Id never seen.

Im going to spend the rest of my life making you happy, Becca, he murmured.

My bag hit the floor with a dull thud. Even though I was done with him, seeing the intimacy we once shared being gifted to someone else felt like a physical sickness.

What are you doing here? Callums voice was like ice. Youre not welcome in this house.

His coldness made me flash back to three years ago. I had defied the System to save him, enduring "The Bone-Breaking Penalty" for weeks. I had been willing to die for him. I had planned to spend forever with him.

Im here for my money, I said, my voice steady. The savings from the last five years are in your account. My grandfathers treatment isn't free.

Callum didn't even stop what he was doing. He kept his hands on Becca, ignoring me as if I were a ghost. The sight was revolting, but I stood my ground.

Ill just take whats mine and go.

I started toward the stairs, but Beccas voice stopped me. Rose, wait. I thought your grandpa was doing better. Why do you need so much cash? She looked at Callum. Shes probably trying to smuggle assets back to her real world.

Callums eyes snapped to mine. Is that it? Youre that greedy?

I worked for that money, Callum. Every cent. Its for Grandpa Henry.

Im not giving you a dime, he said, his voice dropping to a dangerous growl. That money belongs to this world. Youre leaving? Fine. Leave with nothing.

I clenched my fists. Callum, I am telling you, its for his surgery. Im not taking it with me.

Get out, he said. Before I have you removed.

6.

I turned to leave, but Becca hurried over, grabbing my arm. Rose, dont go like this. If youre really that desperate, I can talk to him. I can lend you

Suddenly, she threw herself backward, her head catching the edge of the marble coffee table with a sickening thwack.

Ow! Callum, it hurts!

Before I could even blink, Callum was there. He slammed into me, his shoulder catching my chest and throwing me backward. I crashed into the bar cart; a pitcher of boiling tea shattered, drenching my arm.

I screamed as the heat seared my skin.

What the hell is wrong with you, Rose! Callum roared, hovering over Becca. If youre pissed at me, take it out on me! Dont you dare touch her!

The name Becca sounded like a slur coming from his mouth. He didn't even look at the red, blistering skin on my arm. He didn't care.

Callum, just give me fifty thousand, I wheezed, clutching my arm. Give me the money and Ill disappear. If you don't, Ill make sure Becca never has a moment of peace while Im still here.

Rose! He lunged, his hand snapping around my throat. He pinned me against the wall, his grip tightening until the air in my lungs turned to lead. Why are you so toxic? Cant we just end this with some dignity?

I... just... want... the money, I managed to choke out.

He threw me to the floor like a piece of trash. Fine. You want it? Theres a price.

What? I coughed, gasping for air.

Get on your knees and apologize to Becca. Properly.

I froze. I looked at the man I had loved for years. There wasn't a trace of him left.

Fine, I said. I dragged myself up and knelt before Becca. Im sorry.

I bowed my head. Suddenly, Callums hand was in my hair, slamming my forehead into the hardwood floor. Pain exploded behind my eyes; I bit my tongue, the taste of blood filling my mouth.

She hit her head because of you, Callum snarled. Now youre even.

Is that it? I asked, my voice trembling. Can I have the money now?

He pulled a debit card from his pocket and dropped it onto his shoe. Crawl over and take it.

I didn't hesitate. I was already at my lowest; what was a few more inches? But as my hand reached for the card, his foot came down, pinning my fingers.

God, Rose, he spat, his voice thick with disgust. You really are pathetic. Was it always about the money?

The tears fell then, silent and bitter. I remembered the car hitting me. I remembered his laughter. He didn't know me at all.

Suddenly, my phone vibrated in my pocket. A text from the hospital. Grandpa Henry was in critical condition. He was being rushed to the OR.

I lunged for the door, but Callum grabbed my wrist, twisting it. Youre not going anywhere. You got the money, now youre going to earn it. Consider yourself our maid for the next forty-eight hours.

Let go of me! My grandfather is dying!

How convenient, he sneered. The second you get the cash, theres an emergency. Youd use a dying old man as a prop? Youre sick.

Im not lying! I screamed.

In that moment, the Systems cold voice cut through the room. [System: Transfer protocols finalized ahead of schedule. Stabilization complete. Do you wish to execute the handoff now?]