Eternally Yours...

What if there was a way to keep your loved one virtually alive in cyberspace after their death… would you do it?

- Angela Pickering

I’m offering immortality,” Ben insisted, but Jules still had her doubts. She shook her head and frowned.

“I’m not sure,” she said. “Isn’t there something a little distasteful about it?”

“You won’t be saying that when all the lovely money starts rolling in.” His eyes were alight with excitement.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I don’t mean to knock your idea, I’m just worried people won’t see it the way you do.”

“Look,” he said. “What’s the harm? You come into the office, record a few words, pose for a few pictures and then pay a yearly fee for us to keep the information.”

“But you’re not talking about just keeping it, are you?”

“Well, no, people could do that for themselves. The service I’m offering is much better than that.”

“Let me get this straight.” Jules frowned. “You’re going to create a what – an avatar?”

“Yes, and then when you’re dead, your loved ones can download it and talk to it. It’ll be like you’re still there.”

“I dunno, Ben. I suppose it’s a good idea, but isn’t it a bit spooky?”

“’Course not,” he replied. “The deceased makes the recordings while they’re still alive. It’s their choice.”

“And it’s the bereaved person’s choice whether or not to download.”

Ben took her hand. “Wouldn’t you like to keep me with you, if I died? Forever?” He grinned. “And if not, there’s always the delete button.”

“I suppose so. All right, I’m in.”