The Man Who Ended the World by Jason Gurley Read Free Book Online Page A

'four', but that answer is only correct when we are using the interval or ratio scale. 
    Henry is dumbfounded. Uh, he says. Never mind.
    Clarissa says, This isn't real, right? Someone is fucking with us, right? 
    Stacy says, To be honest, I am a little fucking with you. But I am real. 
    What do you mean, you're -- Clarissa starts.
    Henry interrupts. Where did the man go who climbed in your mouth? 
    Stacy actually laughs. Where do you think he went? 
    Clarissa says, I think he's... underground. I think you're just his doorway. 
    Stacy says, The female child is correct. 
    Henry squints at the car. So... what's down there? 
    Stacy opens the trunk of the Corsica. It illuminates from within.
    Both children jump back.
    Come and see, she says. 
     
    •   •   •
    I'm not going in until you tell me what's --
    Henry interrupts Clarissa. This is awesome !
    He darts up the solid trash pile and peers into the trunk of the dilapidated Corsica. The interior of the trunk has been torn away and resculpted into a smooth metal funnel. Just inside the mouth, Henry can see the first of several rungs emerging from the wall. The rungs appear to be part of the wall, not something bolted on afterward. 
    There is a gently trembling light emerging from the tunnel.
    Henry, I don't know if we should, Clarissa says.
    Stacy interjects. This is perfectly safe. I give you my word.
    Yes, but who are you? Clarissa asks. You sound... maybe not real.
    Henry excitedly says, Are you a robot? Are you seriously like a robot? 
    My name is Stacy. And I can see that you're a little nervous, Clarissa. Let me provide you with some context, so that you can make the best decision for yourself. 
    How did you know my name? Clarissa demands. 
    Stacy does not tell her the truth -- that she quickly scanned a series of dubiously-protected databases for the faces of girls between the ages of ten and fourteen, and matched Clarissa's face to a yearbook photo from her last recorded grade completed. Instead, she says, I know all the children in the world, Clarissa. 
    She applied the most benevolent voice filters possible to that sentence, but Clarissa appears even more appalled. 
    That is seriously creepy, she says. Henry, don't go in there. This feels wrong. 
    Henry is already throwing a leg over the trunk. 
    Henry! Clarissa warns. 
    I will return him safely, Stacy says to Clarissa. I promise.
    And the trunk lid closes over Henry.
     
     
    •   •   •
    At the bottom of the ladder, Henry looks back up towards the surface. It's dark, and he can't even see the inside of the Corsica's trunk above him.
    Come, Henry, Stacy says.
    Stacy's avatar is visible on the far wall, bobbing gently. 
    Is that you? he asks. You're a talking lightbulb? 
    I'm much more than that, Stacy says. This is just how I choose to show myself to you. Come with me, please.
    He hesitates. Is Clarissa okay? 
    Stacy converts a wall of the entry chamber to video. Henry can see the junkyard clearly. The camera must be on one of the fence posts surrounding the yard. It's focused on Clarissa, who is standing in the same place, staring at the trunk. She plunges her fingers into her hair and rocks from one foot to the other, clearly distressed.
    She's upset, Henry says. Can I talk to her?
    I'll turn on the audio feed, Stacy says. 
    -enry! Clarissa's voice calls. Henry! Come out of there!
    I'm okay! Henry says. 
    Clarissa stops rocking. What?
    I'm okay, he repeats. 
    Clarissa looks confused. I can't hear you. Henry?
    Stacy says, Perhaps speak more loudly.
    I'M OKAY, Henry shouts. CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?
    Clarissa claps her hands over her ears.
    Perhaps more quietly, Stacy suggests.
    Is that better? he asks.
    Clarissa drops her hands. What's in there? Are you okay? Come out now, okay? I'm scared.
    Henry starts to speak, but Stacy interrupts. 
    Henry can leave any time, Clarissa, Stacy says. But if he leaves now, that's it. I won't open the car again.
    Wait, Henry says. Is there more? I want to