_“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.