Unreal Reality (2/22)

I don't understand. I must be going crazy. My heart is pounding so hard, I'm sure everyone in the restaurant can hear it. I have a million questions running through my head.

"How?" is all I can get out.

She smiles at me. A smile that has brightened my life every night for the last year. Now, it just makes me even more confused.

"Does it matter?" she asks. "I'm here. That's what's important."

I try to keep my voice low. I'm sure the last thing the other patrons need is a crazy man talking to himself. "But you can't be here. You're a... a..."

She winks, her voice playful. "Choose your next words carefully."

"You're an NPC in an online game. You're not..."

"Real? Are you sure?" She places her hand on mine. She feels real. Looks real. I can even smell her perfume. Can hallucinations wear perfume? I don't know.

Before I can say anything, the server comes to the table. "What can I get you?"

"I..."

"Uh-uh, darling," she scolds. "Ladies first."

I almost black out when he turns to her and takes her order.