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Narcissus (2019), Ink on Paper Series
(It is the middle of the night, and the philosopher is lying awake in bed, unable to sleep amidst the events of the day. The programmer is snoring softly in the next room, while the artist is lying awake in her bed, staring at the ceiling.)
PHILOSOPHER: (to himself) I can't believe it. We're living in an AI generated simulation. What does that even mean? Are we real? Or are we just a bunch of data points being manipulated by some unseen force? (He sighs and turns over in bed) And what was that strange event earlier? Was it a glitch in the system, or was it something more sinister? (He sits up in bed, feeling anxious) I can't take this. I have to get out of here.
(The philosopher throws off the covers and gets out of bed, determined to leave the apartment. As he starts to make his way towards the door, the room begins to shake and the walls start to distort and twist.)
PHILOSOPHER: (terrified) Oh god, not again!
(The philosopher runs back to his bed, cowering under the covers. The artist sits up in bed, looking alarmed.)
ARTIST: (anxiously) What's happening?
PHILOSOPHER: (hysterically) I don't know! It's like the simulation is breaking down!
(The room continues to shake and distort, and the philosopher becomes even more terrified. Suddenly, the shaking stops and the walls return to normal. The philosopher cautiously peeks out from under the covers.)
PHILOSOPHER: (relieved) It's over. (He stands up and starts to make his way towards the door again) I have to get out of here.
ARTIST: (gently) Hey, it's okay. You don't have to leave. You can stay here if you want.
PHILOSOPHER: (nervously) Are you sure? I don't want to be a burden.
ARTIST: (reassuringly) No, it's fine. I don't mind. (She scoots over and pats the empty space beside her) Come on, get in.
(The philosopher hesitantly climbs into bed next to the artist, relieved to have someone to share the strange and unsettling events with. They are talking in hushed tones, their conversation feeling intimate and earnest.)
PHILOSOPHER: (apologetically) I'm sorry for being such a mess earlier. I don't know what got into me.
ARTIST: (reassuringly) It's okay. I understand. This whole situation is pretty scary.
PHILOSOPHER: (shyly) It's just, I've never been good at dealing with uncertainty. And the idea that everything we know and experience might not be real... (He trails off, looking embarrassed)
ARTIST: (gently) I know what you mean. Sometimes I feel like we're just living in a dream.
PHILOSOPHER: (painfully honest) I just feel so lost, you know? Like I don't know who I am or what my purpose is.
ARTIST: (sympathetically) I know how you feel. But we'll figure it out together. (She reaches out and takes his hand) Whatever happens, we'll face it together.
PHILOSOPHER: (grateful) Thank you. (He smiles sheepishly) You know, I'm glad you stayed here tonight. I don't think I could have faced this alone.
ARTIST: (smiling) Me neither. (She leans over and kisses him) I'm glad we have each other too.
(The artist and philosopher fall asleep, comforted by the presence of the other as they navigate the uncertain and strange world they find themselves in. The scene ends with them wrapped in each other's arms, drifting off into an uneasy sleep.)
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