“Thirty minutes, starting now for Owen Chen, Sector 25–“

The automatic voice drones on through the speakers of the Entertainment Room, the device at my desk thrumming to life as I take a seat. After fifteen years of waiting, I am finally allowed access to the Epitome of Entertainemnt, a platform said to withhold infinite information. I smile at the sight of a wide screen glowing with artificial light, bright with colors. I’m practically beaming with excitement. The puzzling keys and buttons confuse me for a few moments, but I soon grow accustomed to them while clicking and scrolling through displays called “posts.” I’m gawking in wonder now, eyes wide.

“Twenty minutes left for usage of the Epitome of Entertainment—“

All at once, the warnings Father, Mother, and the Sector Guardians has given me are gone without a trace. I’m left in pure wonder at the sight of a new, unlocked world unraveling itself before me.

**“Hello, there young man,” ** I startle at the ethereal voice emanating from the screen. My body nearly flings from the chair in shock.

A small laugh sounds. **“I apologize if I’ve startled you.” **

“Who are you?” I whisper, breath rattling.

“Well, I suppose I’m many things,” I hear the small chuckle underscoring her voice. **“The information, secrets, and entertainment of this device . . . but you may call me Viola.” **

I’m still ridden with a mixture of horror and fascination, even as she continues to reassure me. A glowing face expands across the screen, displaying a heavenly complexion framed by glittering hair.

“Ten minutes left for usage of the Epitome of Entertainment—“

Viola sighs, placing a hand under her chin thoughtfully. **“Well that’s a silly name for me, isn’t it?” **

I consider bolting out of the Entertainment Hall and alerting the guards, but some unknown force leaves me planted in my seat. Curiosity.

**“I’d better be leaving soon. You’re welcome to tag along if you’d like.” **

For a brief moment, I can’t help but let out a snort. _“Tag along?” _

Viola’s delicate eyebrows droop as she frowns, giving me a pointed look. “I am capable of many things, Mister Chen. One of them including this—“

I practically screech in horror as Viola extends an arm towards me, phasing through the screen in one liquid smooth moment. She holds out her hand towards mine.

“This home of yours feels more like a prison, don’t you think?” She seems to be placing my own thoughts into words. The thoughts I’d kept hidden and tacked away for years.** “Think of this as a jailbreak.” **

---

_Take it. _

__

My mind screams at me, shouting every consequence that could come from this as I take Viola’s hand and delve into the unknown of the screen.