Original Prompt

Part 3

It cried that night. I held it, and it held me. For the first time, I didn't feel alone. We left in the morning, and it asked me a few more times if I was sure. I was. It brought me to their compound and explained the process.

Turns out, it isn't as invasive as one would think. A simple, easy, psychic connection. Here, I thought they would have to take a knife to me. Some people make connections through experiences and others through items. I talked to a few members about it. I knew I wasn't connected yet, but I felt a bond already.

The time came when I was ready. I elected to use an experience to join, but I wasn't expecting a candle lit dinner. Same body I was used to sitting across from me. As we talked and ate, I began to feel like something was wrong. I wasn't connecting to it. It either didn't notice or didn't care, but I had to make sure it was OK. I have to see.

"Hey. Collective. This is working, right? Is the connection happening?" It laughs. It has such a charming laugh.

"Oh, no. This isn't part of the process. I am just doing this for my own benefit."

What?

"What do you mean? How does this benefit you?" It smiles, almost blushing.

"Well, you like real events more. So, I thought I would do this first, so you fully understand the connection once we begin." Now I understand. Yes, it is making sure I'm calm. That is probably important. I do feel significantly more at ease after eating such a meal. Beef wellington and cabernet sauvignon.

"Well. I'm ready now. Can we just do it so we can experience the rest of this together?" OK. Now I know it blushes. It stands, and I do, too. We both move to the front of the table. I am simply following its lead. It offers a hand. It's so warm. This touch is nice.

It kissed me. At that moment, we were connected, but I wasn't focusing on that. I focused on the love. The admiration it felt for me. For all of us. Humanity. It loves us. It loves us, for we are individuals. We have our own minds, our own thoughts. Its love is alien to me. It loves everyone the same way one loves their spouse.

We finished the meal. It tasted better now. The chef in the kitchen felt satisfied knowing for certain that I loved it. I had a conversation with him from the table without once parting my lips. It cried again after the kiss. I did, too. It made a discovery, and I did in the same moment.

I loved it in the same way.

Part 5