“Ready to go, Ilia?”

  “I don’t understand why we have to go there. I talked with Grandma yesterday, and Grandpa and I playtested his new game this morning. Only thirty-five bugs! I wanted to do that again while practicing.”

  “Have to?”

  “Oh... Did I say something wrong, Dad?”

  “Of course not, pumpkin. Why don’t I elaborate on my intent, okay? ...Good. Don’t you want to see them in person?”

  “I... Yes? Yes, I do. But what’s the difference?”

  “Don’t you want Grandpa and Grandma to give you lots of hugs?”

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  “...Yes.”

  “Okay, then let’s talk about what they would want. Do you consider that to be important?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m sure they absolutely adore interacting with you digitally, but they also enjoy when you visit them physically. Arguably, even more so. The digital is not as intrinsic to them as it is to us. So, by limiting yourself to it, you are limiting them too. And you are not as removed from the physical as it might feel right now. Both are fundamental.”

  “...I don’t understand.”

  “Come here. ...Focus on this moment. Let it all fade away to your background awareness. ...Sometimes, when an aspect of our lives is always a given, we don’t realize how essential it truly is. The time you spend with Mom, me, and everyone else—flowing down a river, gentle and turbulent, cool water and warm sunlight. The time you spend in digital space—under an infinite ocean, motion under your control, sensations of your choosing. Both a part of you.”

  “Mmm. I think I understand, Dad. ...Can we stay like this for a bit, please?”

  “For as long as you want.”

  THE END