A man who wants love

Jacob stared at the screen. He was about to order his very first character. His excitement was palpable, and his imagination was running wild.

His fingers typed away on the computer. And his heart fluttered with joy when he saw her. Ellie Williams from the hit game The Last of Us Part 2. His ideal girl. And he knew then and there that that’s who he was gonna buy.

Jacob's gaze lingered on Ellie's digital portrait; her features so vividly rendered that he could almost sense the fierce determination emanating from her. As he scrolled through her attributes, her ferocity, her strength, her lean, fit body, everything only reinforced his conviction.

For a moment, Jacob's finger hovered over the 'Purchase' button, the cursor pulsing with anticipation. The hefty price tag didn't faze him; his concern lay elsewhere. A nagging doubt had begun to surface, one that made him question the morality of the transaction.

But of course, he was justified in buying her. She was a fictional character. Even more so, her story was that of pain. Of loss and suffering in a post apocalypse world. Jacob was basically saving her from a life of suffering and misery.

With a renewed sense of passion, Jacob confirmed his purchase.

The screen flickered briefly, a digital receipt materializing in the corner of the display, the transaction finalized with a soft chime that seemed almost anticlimactic given the weight of his decision. The message "Thanks you for shopping with RealDreams. Youre delivery will arrive in 2-3 business days." Jacob settled back into his chair, the leather creaking softly beneath him, his gaze still fixed on Ellie's image.

The room fell silent, except for the gentle hum of his computer and the occasional tick of the clock on the wall. The seconds ticked by at a glacial pace, each one filled with an almost palpable sense of expectation. Jacob's thoughts swirled with possibilities, imagining the moment they would first meet, the words he would choose, and the tone he would use to introduce himself to this digital persona he had just brought into his life.

A few days passed by as Jacob awaited Ellie’s arrival from RealDreams. As he prepared, he decided she’d want her own room to stay in as she got acquainted with him.

He fixed a room up as best he could imagine she’d like. In the game, she was a bit of a comic geek as he styled it with a few posters of popular comics. He also arranged for a new tv and PlayStation for her to entertain herself with. He was sure as in her life as she’d never had access to that type of stuff, she’d be appreciative to have it. The room had everything else shed need, a comfortable bed, big window with a view and good lighting, plenty of space for her to buy and keep things of her own.

As he was taking his final look over the room, his doorbell rang.

‘She’s here!’ He thinks to himself!

Jacob's heart skipped a beat as he hastened to the front door, the floorboards creaking beneath his feet. He felt a surge of excitement, his skin warming with anticipation. Taking a moment to collect himself, he grasped the doorknob and swung the door open.

A delivery van marked with a RealDreams logo sat in his driveway, its engine purring softly. A uniformed man stood on the porch; his features partially hidden behind reflective sunglasses. He held a digital clipboard, his gaze fixed on the screen as he awaited Jacob's acknowledgement.

"I've got a delivery for you, sir," the man said, his voice low and even, his eyes hidden behind reflective sunglasses. He held out a digital clipboard, awaiting Jacob's confirmation.

As Jacob signed for the package, the delivery man's gaze remained fixed on the screen. Once the signature was complete, the delivery man waved another on over. A second delivery man wheeled over a large container. It was glass, and within it was Ellie. Jacob’s heart soared with excitement at the sight of her.

“Would you like me to put her anywhere for you sir?” The second delivery man asked.

Jacob's gaze lingered on Ellie's motionless figure, her likeness eerily accurate, from the rough, scarred features on her face to the worn clothing she'd worn in the game. A twinge of unease stirred within him, as if he was gazing upon a captive rather than a purchased companion.

"Please, put her in her room," Jacob instructed, his voice low and measured.

The delivery men nodded curtly, their faces a mask of professionalism, and carefully guided the container toward the prepared space. Jacob trailed behind, his pulse quickening with anticipation.

As they entered the room, the delivery men expertly navigated the container through the doorway, their movements practiced and efficient. Jacob's eyes darted between Ellie's serene face and the surroundings he'd carefully curated, his mind racing with the possibilities of their impending interaction.

The delivery guy dropped the container off on the floor of the room. With a polite nod, he saw his way out the house. Jacob was now alone with the dormant Ellie.

With a sigh, Jacob went to open the container.

Jacob's hand hovered over the release button, his pulse racing with anticipation. He felt a thrill of excitement mixed with a hint of trepidation. Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself and pressed the button.

The container's glass panel slid open with a soft hiss, revealing Ellie's still form. Her beauty was even more striking in person, with intricate details that seemed to leap off her skin. Jacob's eyes widened as he took in the sight of her, his imagination running wild with the possibilities of their new life together. He reached out a tentative hand, his fingers brushing against her cheek. The skin felt smooth and cool, yet somehow, it seemed to hold a promise of warmth and vitality. Jacob's touch was gentle, as if he feared breaking the spell that had brought her into his world.

She looked perfect. Like she’d walked right out of his tv screen, Ellie's presence filled the room with an electric charge. Jacob's eyes roamed over her features, drinking in the intricate details that seemed to leap off her skin. A sense of wonder washed over him, as if he was beholding a masterpiece that had transcended its digital form.

As he stood there, transfixed, a faint tremor of movement caught his attention. Her eyelids quivered, and then, in a moment that left him breathless, her eyes snapped open. The rich green of her irises locked onto his, radiating an intensity that made his heart stutter.

Jacob's lungs froze, his chest constricted by a mix of excitement and trepidation. The air seemed to vibrate with anticipation as he waited for her to stir, to move, to come to life in his presence.

She groaned, as if waking up from a hangover. Jacob stepped back and watched as Ellie rose out of the container.

“What the…?” She whispered. “What happened?”

Jacob's voice caught in his throat as he struggled to find the right words. He had rehearsed this moment countless times, but now that it was here, he felt unprepared.

"You're in my home," he said finally, his tone soft and measured. "You're... with me now."

Ellie's gaze swept the room, her eyes lingering on the unfamiliar surroundings. Her brow furrowed, and she took a tentative step forward, as if testing her balance. Jacob's eyes followed her every move, his heart pounding in anticipation of her next words.

“What do you mean? How’d I get here?” Ellie asks. “Last thing I remember I was…” her voice trails off as she remembers being at her home in her old world. Having just failed to play the guitar with her damaged fingers, she’d sullenly begun to walk away from her old life.

Jacob's heart ached as he saw the turmoil in Ellie's eyes. Taking a cautious step closer, his tone softened as he reassured her, “You’re in a new place. A new world to be exact.”

Ellie's gaze turned skeptical, her expression a mask of wariness. "A new world?" Her eyes darted around the room, as if searching for a threat.

“Huh?” Ellie frowned.

“I know, it’s a strange thing to hear, but please. Let me explain.” Jacob asked.

Ellie looked at Jacob with an analytical eye. She didn’t trust him. With a deep sigh, Jacob spoke, “You are from a different world. A fictional world that was created for entertainment purposes.”

“Pffft. Yeah right.” Ellie scoffs. “So what, I’m like Spider-Man or some shit?”

“In a way, yeah.” Jacob agreed, and Ellie’s face returned to a scowl. “Look, I’m sorry. But it’s true. You are a video game character. In my world, we’ve developed the technology to bring video game characters to life. That’s how you’re here now.” Jacob finished, his eyes locked onto Ellie’s, searching for a glimmer of understanding.

Ellie's gaze faltered, her mind struggling to wrap around the concept. Panic began to set in her. The walls started to constrict around her, and the air felt heavy.

‘No way!’ She thought to herself.

Before Jacob could properly explain things, Ellie let loose a punch that sent him to the floor. In a panic, Ellie ran out of the room and made her way through the house, and out the front door.

As her eyes adjusted to the light outside, Ellie was left stunned as she took in the world around her. Gone was the run down, dilapidated houses and overgrown plants that covered her world. Gone were the eerie silence broken only by the chaos of gunshots and the horrifying clicking sounds of infected.

Instead, Ellie was met with the civilized world. Paved roads, clean and maintained houses, cars driving up and down the street. People walking down the sidewalk.

Ellie was awestruck. ‘Was Jacob really telling the truth?’

“Ellie!” Jacob scrambled out of the house behind Ellie. He stopped dead as he saw her.

“This is…” Ellie couldn’t get the words out. She turned and looked at Jacob, scouring every inch of his face for a hint of deception, but his expression remained steadfast, his eyes filled with a deep empathy.

Jacob took a cautious step forward, his movements measured, as if he feared startling her. "I know it's a lot to take in," he said, his voice low and soothing. "But I'm telling you the truth, Ellie. I’m not trying to hurt you."

Ellie's eyes flashed with a mix of fear and anger, her emotions in turmoil.

“No, no, no this is bullshit. I’m not some fucking toy to dance for your amusement! I’m a person. I’ve been through shit you couldn’t even imagine! And now your telling me everything I’ve ever been through wasn’t even real?” Ellie’s voice is raised with anger. “Joel’s ****? Jessie’s? Tommy? Dina?” Her voice breaks as sadness starts to pour over her.

Jacob's expression turned somber, his eyes filled with compassion as he acknowledged the anguish in Ellie's voice. "I can only imagine the pain and betrayal you’re feeling," he said, his tone gentle. “But you’re here now. You don’t need to suffer anymore.”

Ellie's body trembled, her breathing ragged as she fought to rein in the turbulent emotions.

“The fuck do you know about it?” Ellie snapped at Jacob. “What could you possibly know about how I’m feeling. You tell me that I’m not a real person. That every shitty fucking thing that’s ever happened to me wasn’t even real. That I’m just a, a thing for people’s entertainment. And now you’ve brought me to this world for what? Just cause you could!” Ellie's words hung in the air, a bitter accusation that left Jacob stunned. He took a step back, his eyes never leaving hers, as he struggled to find the right words to defuse the tension.

"I didn't bring you here to entertain me, Ellie," Jacob said, his voice laced with a deep regret. "I brought you here because I believe you have a right to exist, to experience life beyond the confines of a game. Your memories, your emotions, they're all real to you, and that's what matters."

Ellie's gaze wavered, her anger slowly giving way to a deep-seated vulnerability. She felt scared. Alone. Jacob's words, though well-intentioned, only seemed to push her closer to the edge.

"You don't get it, do you?" Ellie's voice cracked, her emotions raw and exposed. "You don't get what it's like to have your entire existence turned upside down. To have everything you thought you knew about yourself ripped away."

Jacob's expression turned somber, his eyes filled with a deep empathy. "I may not fully understand, Ellie," he said, "but I'm willing to listen, to try and understand. You're not just a character to me; you're a person, with thoughts, feelings, and desires. And I want to help you navigate this new reality, to find a way to make sense of it all."

“But why?” Ellie starts to cry. “Why do you care? Why bring me here?” Ellie collapses on the ground as she hugs herself. Tears flowing freely down her face. A few onlookers watch from afar at the commotion.

Jacob gently kneels beside her, “Because I have played the games that your story is told in. I’ve seen the world you lived in. The Clickers, the hunters, the WLF,” Jacob pauses, “Abby.”

Ellie stiffens at the mention of Abby.

“I’ve seen the hell you’ve endured. And I wanted to bring you to this world so you wouldn’t have to suffer any longer.” Jacob’s voice heavy with sympathy and compassion. “Because you deserve to be happy.”

Ellie tensed at the mention Abby. Jacob's words of kindness only served to highlight the feelings of despair and anger.

She turned to face him, her eyes brimming with tears, her gaze searching for answers. "Happiness?" The word tumbled out in a barely audible whisper, as if she was grasping for a fleeting dream that had long since vanished. Her voice cracked, and she felt the weight of her sorrow bearing down on her, making it hard to breathe.

“Just… just leave me alone. Please.” Ellie wipes the flowing tears away. “Just, go.” Jacob's expression reflected the depth of his concern, his eyes clouded with a mix of sadness and understanding. He slowly stood up, his movements cautious, as if fearful of exacerbating the fragile emotional state Ellie was in.

A moment of hesitation, and then he turned to leave, his hand hovering in the air before falling back to his side. "I'll be inside," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, "if you need me."

Jacob felt ok to leave Ellie behind. One of the restrictions that RealDreams placed on purchased characters was a proximity limit. Unless Jacob willed her too, Ellie wouldn’t be able to leave the borders of his property regardless of how upset she was.