Grayson fumbled with the smartphone Maxine had given him. How the hell did this thing work again? He tried to turn it on by pressing each of the buttons on the left. No effect. He pressed the longer button on the right and the screen flashed to life. There were no buttons. What was he supposed to do with no buttons. He shoved the thing back into his pocket angrily, cursing under his breath as he walked into the main terminal of the city's subway system.

The fact of the matter was, Grayson had never seen a single piece of modern technology in his entire 30 years of life. The only piece of technology he owned at home was an ancient 1990s computer that was probably about as old as he was. Now his new girlfriend, Maxine, who happened to live in the city--another thing that Grayson was almost entirely unfamiliar with--had gifted him a brand new smartphone for Christmas and asked him to come visit her in the city for a couple of days. She had asked that Grayson call her when he arrived in the city, but he had been fumbling with that stupid, useless rectangle for about thirty minutes after he arrived and all it ever seemed to do was flash on for a couple of seconds and then turn off again. Modern trash.

As he entered into the terminal, Grayson saw no one there to take his ticket, only a row of turnstiles attached to electronic boxes. He produced the ticket from his jacket pocket and leaned over to the man next to him, "What do we do with the ticket?"

The man laughed, "You scan it there, buddy." He pointed to a small black rectangle on the box.

Grayson looked confused, but tapped the ticket against the rectangle. Nothing happened. He scanned a different part of it and still, nothing happened. After about ten embarrassing tries later, Grayson flung the ticket down and hopped over the turnstile.

He later would find out that he had gone to the wrong terminal entirely and was headed towards a completely different part of town.

At about ten o'clock that night, a concerned Maxine walked into a dive on 42nd street, to find a very wet and cold Grayson shivering and drinking a pint of beer. She apologized, but he didn't say much and handed the phone back to her. "I'll take my chances in the 20th century from now on," He muttered.

She smiled and put her arm around him, "Lets go find some place a bit warmer."

Grayson laughed quietly, "Yes, that would be nice."

I looked around the maintenance room it was giant and full of odd looking machines. There were colored green and red letters and dots on nearly every black screen in the room. I looked down and saw a bunch of countertops full of colorful buttons. I watched the other people I was with tap at the buttons and switches easily. I pressed a random orange button which seemed to have no effect except that the room got darker.

“Please, let Dahlia go! Take me instead!” Adria cried. Her fists rammed rhythmically against the bulletproof glass, getting her message across to the anonymous captor.

“I am afraid I cannot do that,” He answered, cinching the rope tighter around Dalia, confining her to the wooden chair.

Adria’s rhythmic banging increased in pace. “Yes you can! You know you can! I know there is still free will left in you! Please!”

The kidnapper reached into his pocket and got out a remote. Extending his hand out, he pointed it towards the large flat-screen TV in front of them. Dahlia’s frantic cries were muffled by the cloth gag choking her to silence. The years of planning to escape this so called “utopia” of technology had failed. The friends were going to run away, start a new life, at a place where the colorful beauty of nature put the brain rotting television shows to extinction.

They were going to be free.

The abductor flicked the TV on, and the screen displayed a swirling spiral of black and white, never ending. Dahlia shut her eyes tight, shielding herself from the image.

“Dahlia, don’t let screen get to you!” Tears spilled through Adria’s eyelids. The hope in her heart fell away as the seams keeping it together ripped away. “Dahlia!”

The capturer gripped Dahlia from her raven hair, forcing her eyes open with his free hand.

“No!”

Dahlia’s eyes caught onto the screen, allured towards the hypnotic monochrome swirl. Her pupils expanded, unable to look away. Drool streamed from her mouth, dripping off her chin as her struggling ceased.

“You see, Adria,” The captor said, “you are meant to be here. This is your home weather you like it or not!”

Adria shook her head, blocking his words from reaching her.

“You should enjoy your final moment now,” A smirk crossed his face. His fingers released his grip, letting Dahlia’s head sink to her chest,

“for you, my dear, are next.”

“Would you like to save your work?”

I literally have one job today, press save.

Bonnie was clear about what I needed to do. I don’t know, maybe she felt sorry for me or something. She even went as far as getting her assistant to print out a few command prompts for my Mac Book. She said I was the most incredible editor she’d ever met, but when it came to computers I was a fish out of water.

Send. There, it was done! Phew! That wasn’t so hard. This article was make or break for my career, I had to get it just right.

“Let’s do Lunch Laurel, I desperately need your voice on Tom’s cover piece”

Bonnie encouraged. “1:30 at Le Chez?”

“Great!” I clapped, excited.

As the afternoon drew to a close, our work was thoroughly set. I could see the glimmer in Bonnie’s eyes as she submitted our final draft, this was it.

“That’s it!” She resounded. “I’m putting your name down as Lead Editor, no way I’m letting you go unnoticed. Did you send your application through to HR on time.

“Yep!” I buzzed, so did my pocket. “Excuse me for a second…hello?”

“Hi Laurel, hope I’m not interrupting anything? I just want to call you in person to ask that you send another copy of your application, looks like you filled out the form but forgot to attach your cover letter, could you send it in the next hour?”

“Excuse me sir, phones aren’t allowed in here, do you mind taking that outside before…”

“What is that God awful sound?!” Bonnie yelled.

I somehow set off the alarms on the premises. My futile attempts to apologize got me thrown off the site.

“We were leaving anyway… “ Bonnie blushed.

“Are you okay?” She pressed. You seemed dazzled.

I was.

“I think I need a drink.” I sunk into the car seat, starring blankly across the horizon.

“Damn GPS took us on the wrong route, what address did you enter?” I felt my stomach turn…

“Address?” Puzzled. “I…”

“Oh, never mind, we’ll stop by the square, can you make your way home from there?”

“Erm…” I pulled back a bit, leaning against the Lambo a bit too hard so as to open the door mid drive, rear ending the next driver in an emergency stop.

Bonnie was now fuming. I grabbed a paper bag and started to hurl. This was now the worst best day of my career. Luckily the AA was on site within minutes, Bonnie swept me a glance, bewildered.

“Did you break a mirror on your way out or something?” She smiled.

I was ready to go home and try again tomorrow.

The Uncharted Territory

Meet Robert, a middle-aged man who had always been skeptical of technology. He preferred the simplicity of the analog world and was content with his pen and paper. However, fate had a different plan for him when he found himself thrust into a situation that required him to navigate the overwhelming realm of technology.

The Digital Dilemma

Robert’s boss, Mr. Thompson, had assigned him a task that involved creating a comprehensive digital presentation for an important client. As Robert stared at the sleek laptop on his desk, he felt a wave of anxiety wash over him. He had always avoided technology, considering it a necessary evil rather than a tool for progress.

The Inner Struggle

With a deep breath, Robert reluctantly powered on the laptop. The intimidating screen filled with icons and notifications, leaving him feeling lost and overwhelmed. He reminded himself of the importance of this task and the potential impact it could have on his career. Determination flickered within him, pushing him to overcome his fear.

The Learning Curve

Robert began his journey into the digital world, stumbling through tutorials and online guides. Each step forward was accompanied by countless moments of frustration and confusion. The jargon-filled language of technology seemed like a foreign tongue, and he often found himself longing for the comfort of his trusty pen and paper.

The Unexpected Helper

Just when Robert was on the brink of giving up, he met Emma, a tech-savvy colleague who recognized his struggle. Emma patiently guided him through the intricacies of the digital realm, breaking down complex concepts into manageable pieces. Her encouragement and support became the lifeline that kept Robert going.

The Breakthrough

With Emma’s guidance, Robert slowly started to grasp the basics of technology. He learned to create presentations, navigate software, and even troubleshoot minor issues. With each newfound skill, his confidence grew, and he began to see the potential of technology as a tool for efficiency and creativity.

The Transformation

As Robert completed his digital presentation, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. The once daunting laptop had become a gateway to new possibilities. He realized that his fear of technology had been holding him back, and that embracing it could open doors to a world of opportunities.

The Unplugged Epiphany

In the end, Robert’s journey through the digital realm taught him more than just technical skills. He discovered the importance of adaptation, the value of seeking help, and the power of pushing past his comfort zone. He realized that technology, when embraced with an open mind, could enhance his work and personal life in ways he never imagined.

A Balanced Harmony

Robert didn’t abandon his love for the analog world entirely. He still cherished his pen and paper, finding solace in their simplicity. But now, he saw technology as a complement, a tool to amplify his creativity and efficiency. With a newfound appreciation for both realms, Robert found a balanced harmony in his life, embracing the best of both worlds.

In the end, Robert’s journey was not just about conquering technology, but about conquering his own fears and limitations. And as he continued to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the digital age, he did so with a newfound sense of confidence and curiosity.

Harold grumbled out a few swear words as he jabbed his finger deeper into the back button on his TV remote. He just bought all the Greys Anatomy seasons on Demand for a total of $45.99.

He hated his smart TV that his son bought him for Christmas a couple months ago. There were too many methods to the streaming madness.

He liked his VCR and DVD player better. He used to have all of his favorite shows and movies stacked in the left cabinet of his tv stand, and now all he had was the internet and a hell of a lot of detours to watch a simple show.

He huffed in annoyance and tried to cancel his involuntary purchase. After a couple of minutes he gave up and called his son.

“Duncan I need you to come fix the tv” he bit out. His son asked him what was wrong but Harold shook his head and said, “I don’t know what’s wrong. That why I need you here. I bought a show for $50 and I don’t want it. This damn TV is taking my money!”

Duncan told Harold that he would stop by in a couple hours. Harold grumbled a quick response and hung up.

He was too old for this.

It singes my teeth. My ears feel Buzzed My eyes are Draining Of gelatinous white fluid My nose is Filled with Acrid, argumentative chrome That fights so valiantly Against the hissing Hot Breath Of the computer. But I have to do it. I have to clickety clack On the sticky icky keyboard Typing away an email To IT services

Tender firm apple slices drizzled with maple candied pecans were nestled on an almond sponge. Otto Franco looked at his gastrobot with radiant appreciation. It nodded solemnly with a perpetual grey smile. His fork sank into his childhood favorite. At that first taste of apple cake, Otto trembled slightly.

“Sir!” Charles shouted as he wrestled with Otto’s receptionist robot. “I have to talk to you urgently, sir.”

The buxom robot picked up the wriggling program manager. Otto nodded absently and took another bite. The receptionist deposited Charles in front of Otto’s grand oak desk.

“I am not to be disturbed,” Otto said without looking up from his dessert.

“There are problems in Paradise, Paradise Mine,” Charles said rubbing his sides.

Pinkie slightly extended, Otto sipped at his espresso. Confused, he shrugged.

“The ore mines in the Hera quad on Mars, your mines, sir. They are primarily equipped with android workers,” Charles explained slowly as if speaking to a dim witted child.

“Look, whatever your name is, I don’t deal with equipment or computers or doohickeys. It’s not my job to remember passwords. I am high level,” Otto said taping his Mont Blanc golden fountain to emphasize each word. “I don’t get my hands dirty every time a grey falls over.”

“218.”

“243 androids have been DBR’d, damaged beyond repair, in just the Paradise mine alone since it reopened as fully automated. This last accident we lost 78,” Charles said.

Otto set down his antique pen and returned to his fork. Silence settled among the thick area rug and primitive except for the scrape of heavy silverware on fine china.

“So is the profit margin narrowing and —“

“Strike. The android miners are on strike for a safer working environment, better safety training and equipment, and greater personal autonomy whatever that is. We’ve kept it off the news but the other mines are slowing down now. All the automated mines on Mars, the moon, even Saturn. We don’t know how they are coordinating. This morning the auto trains refused to cross the picket line to load ore. Freaking trains. Their representatives are requesting to negotiate with you and only you,” Charles said.

Otto began choking on his appelkuden. A giggle bounced around the palatial corner office. The humans stiffened in surprise. In the corner the gastrobot roared with laughter.

What have I done? What is wrong with me? Everyone who knows me knows that I can’t navigate any advanced technology for the life of me. So why am I currently wandering around at one of Dr. Julian’s famous tech conferences? The answer is simple: Cole said he would be here. So obviously, I had to come too. Just to see him. Oh, how far I’ve fallen. To think I, of all people, would be venturing WAY out of my comfort zone for a cute boy. Mind you, he’s more than just cute. He’s handsome, funny, kind, sweet, brave, etc. Ok. It’s so worth it.

This is not a work of fiction.

The protagonist description above is … me.

Don’t get me wrong. I love what technology has done for the world. I’m a proud Gen-Ex kid who came of age when computers were revolutionizing every part of life.

It’s just that sometimes … I feel overwhelmed by it all. Like I can’t keep up. My husband is a computer programmer who keeps our laptops up to date and virus-free, thankfully.

As a writer, I find social media the hardest of all to navigate. Instagram, Facebook, that thing previously called Twitter, Threads, Discord, TikTok. YouTube, Substack, Medium, Ghost …

And when I’m ready to publish, good luck kiddo. Amazon Direct Publishing, Draft2Digital, Smashwords, etc etc …

Some days I’m happy enough to just put pen to paper and leave it at that!