First Day In The Class
Leaves Claire utterly baffled
Claire settled into her seat, the classroom bustling with activity around her. Despite being surrounded by people, she felt utterly alone — adrift in a confusing sea of unfamiliar technologies and terms.
“Let’s start with email,” the instructor announced. “You can send written messages instantaneously from one computer to another.”
Claire furrowed her brow. Email? Some new-age telegraph system?
Next, the instructor explained “online banking” — handling all your finances virtually, without stepping into a bank. Claire struggled to envision such an abstract concept.
Leaning toward her classmate, an amicable elder, she whispered, “I must have missed more than I realized…”
He offered a warm smile. “It’s overwhelming at first, but you’ll catch on soon enough.”
When “smartphones” and “ride-sharing services” came up, Claire diligently took notes despite barely grasping the idea of handheld telecommunication devices that could summon personal drivers. It sounded straight out of science fiction.
By the end of class, Claire felt battered by this torrent of futuristic marvels and unsettling innovations. Gathering her books with trembling hands, she fought to maintain composure until a familiar voice called from the hallway.
“Claire? How did your first day go?”
She turned to her husband, Jack, the facade crumbling. “I’m so lost,” she whispered, blinking back tears. “This isn’t the world I knew.”
Jack’s expression softened as he pulled her into a tender embrace. “I know it’s disorienting, my love. But don’t worry, it’ll all make sense.”
Claire steadied herself against the reassuring cadence of his voice. “Just remind me…how long was I gone?”
Cupping her face, Jack held her gaze. “Thirty-two years. You were in that coma for over three decades.”
Claire’s breath hitched as the stark reality washed over her anew. She nodded, swallowing hard.
“We’ll take it one step at a time,” Jack soothed, caressing her cheek. “Trust the program — they know how to reintegrate people after such an…absence.”
Taking her hand, he gave a comforting squeeze. Offering a tentative smile, Claire laced her fingers through his. Her partner, her anchor, her connection to a reality she no longer recognized.
“Okay,” she replied, nestling against his side for reassuring familiarity. “Together.”
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