For our cultural shift project we created a futuristic world dominated by Skype’s newest communication technology, Holochat. For part of the project, I wrote a short story detailing what this world may be like.

 “Timmy!” A distant voice echoed throughout the virtual room. “Oh, sorry guys I have to go…” Groans erupted before he could explain. “I know I know” he mumbled, “I’ll be right back”. Timmy switched off HoloChat and the physical world swirled into focus before him. “Timmy!” Another cry could be heard. He shrugged off the mild nausea, got up from his HoloStation and dragged his feet towards the voice.

Timmy’s grandmother stood in the kitchen staring out one of the westward windows. Timmy could tell what she was thinking. She had never understood all this Holo-stuff and often wondered aloud how things changed so suddenly. “Come visit anytime, Timmy” she would suggest, knowing all too well that no one ‘visits’ anymore. She was getting old, too old to compete with a virtual world.

“I need some milk,” she mumbled. “Would you be a dear and fetch some for me?” Timmy stood silent for a moment, viewing his grandmother with a quizzical look. No one went to the store anymore, she knew that. “Uhhh yea grandma… sure. You want another gallon?” She turned to look at him. “That would be great Timmy, thank you.” He thought the request was a bit strange but didn’t argue. The quicker the better.

The streets were barren, as they had been since Timmy could remember. He disliked the real world. Cold, harsh and immutable, it was the exact antithesis of a HoloChat call. Upon reaching the warehouse he opened the door. “Why hello there!” Timmy was surprised to hear a voice, although quickly realized that it wasn’t human. A holographic teller stood watch over the merchandise. “I need a gallon of milk,” he said. “All produce is usually shipped to– “I know,” interrupted Timmy.

He strained a bit carrying the milk. He couldn’t remember the last time he was forced to carry around something so heavy. Switching between arms, Timmy raced back home but found something missing. “Grandma!” he shouted. “I got it!” No reply. Timmy called again as he put the milk in the refrigerator. Nothing. His thoughts turned to HoloChat and the call of his friends. He jogged into the HoloRoom and stepped into the flickering light.