1 40 Shades Of Gray

I wake up to my normal morning with a normal yawn and start my normal routine. I got up and went to the bathroom to brush my teeth and hair. Every day, it's the same thing. The person looking back at me from the mirror is always a 5'5", slightly curvy, outgrown red dyed hair, 15 year old teenager named Emma who got straight A's all throughout middle school. To other people, I am viewed as an extraordinary girl who took part in most of the school plays. But what they don't see is that I don't see flavor in the world, it's too normal for me. I want some action! Something new! But it never happens, I've given up all hope in finding anything new until my mind is changed.

I was on my way to my bus stop when I noticed something. Everything around me is a shade of gray. It is as if it was a real life TV show from the 40's. When I ask someone if they see anything different around them, I was expecting them to say something about there being no color. Instead I got things like... 'What do you mean?' or 'I don't see anything different'. It was like something out of a movie, for once I feel like I was picked, like I was different. But why me out of everyone? What made me so different? I feel as if it's a big puzzle and I'm in the middle of it. These questions of the unknown fill my head.

My phone buzzes and snaps me back to reality. It's weird because my phone is in color and I am but nothing else is. I turn on my phone and see that I got a message from a random number. I opened it and this is what it said:

"Greetings Emma,

You probably are confused on who this is and why you're one of the special people getting this message. You have also probably noticed how everything is grayed out. I can explain if you take up this once in a life-time opportunity. I promise I'm not trying to scam you and it won't cost any cash. In fact, all we need you to do is test out some new technology we have made. We will cover any financial burdens if something goes wrong. The system can create a new reality and it seems very fitting to the type of person you are. You are a very special girl Emma and we hope you take this opportunity. If you do choose to accept this offer please meet me at the hospital by the front desk. I will be wearing my red lab coat and my white undershirt. I hope to see you soon!

-Doctor David"

This gave me more questions than it answered. It answered almost nothing to be honest. It just made more questions like, 'Who is this Doctor David?', 'Is this a scam?', etc. rolled around in my head. I know I've been looking for something new but is this really it? I figure I might as well take the chance. The hospital isn't far from the coffee shop so maybe I can grab a cup afterwards!

The bus stop is taped off so I have to walk, maybe I can call a ride back after so I don't have to walk as much. I wonder if this world will be as exciting and different as I am hoping it will be. I've played some games before but nothing like a VR. I guess I should start walking so I don't keep them waiting. It's a few minute drive but not sure how long it would take by walking as I never walked to it before.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I am welcomed by smiley nurses and a tall, blonde male wearing a red lab coat facing the front desk. By the time I notice that there is color again, I am pulled over by a nurse to sign my contract. I then walk up to the male as he fits the description of the doctor.

"Doctor David..?" I ask in a confused manner. I slightly tug on his sleeve to get his attention. I have so many questions but I don't know how many would be answered before I get plugged into this "world".

"You must be Emma! Nice to finally meet you in person. I am glad you accepted my offer. Follow me and feel free to ask questions."

"Well I ha-.." I was stopped by a nurse pulling the doctor's arm and whispering something in his ear. He looks almost… concerned. "Is something wrong, sir?"

"No-no, everything is fine. Let's continue."

His stutter doesn't make anything better but hey, I already signed the contract.

Dr. David brings me to the basement of the building which is weirding me out. There are flickering lights and it needs to be cleaned badly. There are what looks like stains but it's hard to tell with the lights flickering.

"Doctor, where are we going exactly?" I'm not sure how loud I can speak so I ask in a whisper. "And how much longer?"

"We are almost there. Sorry if down here scares you. The maids don't go down here to clean and it's top secret so we don't normally let outsiders in."

We come to a fork in the halls where there is a fallen light or… something. He tells me to hold on as he goes first, stepping over the something. He puts out his hand for me to take. I hold his hand as I carefully step over. This is totally different than what I was expecting. We go into the first door on our right. It is really clean, the lights work, and there is this big thing around an examination table. The big thing, I'm guessing, is the system I will be attaching myself to. It is like a big C that goes over the headrest of the table and attaches at the wall and floor. Dr. David sits down on a stool with wheels and pats down on the table, motioning me to lay down. I give him a nervous smile and lay down on the table. He puts a headband with wires connecting to the system on my head, and I feel a slight shock so I flinch.

"Am I supposed to feel a shock?"

"Shh… let me think. I only did this…" His words fade out to a mutter and I can't hear him.

I sigh and close my eyes. He taps my shoulder to get my attention a while later.

"Are you ready, Emma?"

"Will it hurt? And what do I do once I'm connected?"

"You'll see. Just relax yourself"

"But--"

"Emma. Shut up, we can't wait any longer"

I was shocked, his voice was so… stern. He was so kind before, why such a mood change? I muttered 'Doctor' as I close my eyes and relax as told. He covers me in a blanket and yells for a nurse. I can hear murmuring but I don't dare open my eyes. I feel something touch the back of my neck.

"She's ready for attempt #16"

"But David… it isn't per-"

"I don't care! Start it up."

"Yes sir.."

Voices fade and I feel alone once more.