for our next assignment, we were 'asked' to write 300-400 words about life in Canada in 150 years, and what problems our protagonist faces in the future. it's only the beginning of a book that might never actually be written.

I was thinking my story would be about a girl named Melissa Rivers, a 15 years old girl and how she's dealing with her parents divorce. her mother and father were drifted far apart in their relationship and the mother was moving in with her boyfriend, also having custody of Melissa, taking her way from her father.

Melissa wanted to pretend non of this was happening, so she's been living in a virtual reality game simulator. in the physical world, she's laying down in bed with the VR headset and goggles on. in her mind and simulation, she is living a happy life with the loving parents she used to have, a life where life wasn't so technical as it was now, filled with nature and wildlife. a life where she didn't have to deal with her troubles. not leaving her room since.

so here goes nothing, let the story begin!

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the cool wind blew gently as the warmth of the sun rained down on the earth. the sound of the soft push and pull of the beaches' water mixed with the tone of the suns rays created a simple, yet peaceful, melody. Melissa Rivers enjoyed the sound nature created, as she stared out the window of her beach house. The nature that isn't commonly found today.

"Melissa, hurry up!" shouted her mother, "you don't want to be late to your own birthday party, do you?!" she continued to call out. "Just a minute!" the birthday girl exclaimed in reply, fixing the bow in her hair. The 15 year old looked at herself in the mirror. Her reflection showed a young girl, dressed in dark skinny jeans, a simple, white crop top, a grey pullover with the word 'geek' written on top, and grey ankle boots. Her strawberry blonde locks were tied into a high ponytail, held by a single elastic and white bow. She smiled at her appearance, yet her smile didn't reach her eyes before she ran out of her room, down the stairs.

"Ready to go kiddo?" asked her father once she came into view. She smiled at the sight of her parents together, and smiling. "All set dad" she replied happily. "Let's get moving, your friends should be at the amusement park by 3:30", stated her mother, getting nods of agreement before they enter the car, driving off.

'Right.... my friends', Melissa thought to herself bitter despite her smile.

When 3:30 struck, Melissa was greeted by her friends. Dean, Jenna, Carla and Alex. Melissa greeted them all with a smile and hugs, gratefully accepting their gifts before joining them on rides, playing games, eating and having fun. She stared longingly at her parents, while waiting in line to play Skee-ball, who were sharing cotton candy and smiling at each other lovingly.

Just as she was about to walk over to them, with a true smile on her face, the world around her suddenly went black.

"What the?" she asked sitting up from her bed. She took off her VR headset, only to find her mother holding the plug. "Why'd you do that?" Melissa asked. "It's been three days Mel", he mother began "can't you give Mike a chance?" she questioned. "No, you took me from dad", she replied grimly. Her mother glared, "I don't want to hear another word about this Melissa", "Then how about three? I hate you!" "Mel-", "Get out!" her mother did as told, while Melissa cried wanting her virtual escape to become her reality. Where her parents loved each other. Where she wasn't surrounded by a world revolved around technology like in the year 2017, before the world wars. Where she wasn't alone and was happy. She didn't want to believe it, despite how it was the cold hard truth; there's no escaping reality.

What do you think?

Great?
Good?
Bad?
sucked?
Don't care?