Couple Connection

Of all the phone apps May had overseen the production of, Couple Connection was both the most simple in its execution and most sweeping in its potential abilities.

Fundamentally, it was a simple reimagining of the classic Word Processor, adapted to a text messenger. One could simply open it, type a command, hit sent and watch the command come to life. It, like it’s more famous predecessor, had the power not just to change minds and bodies, but make changes retroactively, and even alter the reality of the message’s subject and his or her position in it. There was nothing that could not be changed about the subject of the message.

The catch? It only worked between couples; specifically, people who were currently romantically involved. The app was sent to a number to test groups. Some of the couple had been involved for years, while others had just been introduced to one another. They were sent to both straight and gay couples. Couples with families and couples without. 10 altogether, and those who received it and exchanged at least 10 messages would be able to send it to other couples, provided they knew the contact info of its recipients.

This distinction was important. One half of the couple could only change the other. They didn’t have to take turns, but if an undesirable change was sent, the recipient could retaliate. A failsafe was programmed to ensure that no change could render the recipient incapable of using the app; even those which would make it impossible to use a phone. Each user was incapable of sending changes to themselves, or reversing changes sent to them. That could only be done by the sender. So the app had to be used cooperatively, or it risked devolving into a game of mutually assured destruction.

As social experiments went, it was one May had looked forward to watching. Her own relationship history had been as storied as any unmarried late 20 something’s. She’d had short flings with whom such power over her would be terrifying, and long term, special lovers with whom she’d have been delighted to share such an experience. She’d had stale relationships that could have used something like this, and more timid partners who’d probably have been too nervous to use it at all.

Who’d they’d chosen, and how they’d use their new gift, she was eager to watch.