Dating : 4. The Future

« This is a terrible idea, » said Sam as he marched down the hallway alongside Ryan.

« It’s the best solution we’ve got. »

« He won’t make it! He literally won’t survive. »

« You have very little faith. »

« We’re talking about delivering the future. If he’s even a day late-« 

Ryan stopped and turned to look at Sam. « D’you think I don’t all this? But we don’t have anyone else. The last qualified person we had got lost in China. »

« There has to be-« 

« D’you really think I‘d be giving this job to Pascal if there was anyone else? » Sam contemplated this. « Listen, I need you to accompany him. » Sam scoffed. « If it wasn’t of the utmost importance, I wouldn’t ask. But this year, after last year, the humans deserve a break. » Ryan avoided his eyes. « Oh, and uh, if you could fill him in… »

Sam caught on to what he meant as he began walking away. « Hey! »

« I have total faith in you. »

« You… coward! »

Sam looked at the non-descript brown door, knowing inside awaited a fate to an overeager intern who had yet to prove himself useful, let alone been given any responsibility. But this? This was a mighty task for even the most qualified staff members, and they dreaded the task every year. But not Pascal, who volunteered every year, adamant one day he’d do it.

Sam opened the door and sat across from him. Pascal had such hope, such wonder, some optimism in his eyes. « Well, your moment to shine has finally arrived. »

« You mean- » he began, his voice increasing in pitch.

« Yes. »

Pascal squealed, jumping up and squeezing Sam into a hug, then realising what he’d done and sitting back down, trying to contain his excitement.

« You know the drill? »

« Yes! I need to deliver the future to the mailbox right on time or else the year will be ruined. »

« Woah, hey, let’s not understate the magnitude of what happens if it doesn’t turn up on time. »

« Pfft, what’s the worst that can happen? »

« Well, thanks to Ian not delivering it on time last year, they had a literal plague to deal with, and the implications have carried on into this year, so if we don’t get it on time, that new strain? Yeesh. »

Pascal’s eyes widened. « Wait… why was I chosen? »

« We don’t have anyone left. Someone’s trying to sabotage the system, leave the humans to kill one another. You’re the only option left. »

« But… what if I don’t want it anymore? »

« Tough. Unless you literally die or somehow get lost, you’ve gotta go. » Pascal didn’t feel as chirpy as he had done. « Oh, and I’ve gotta accompany you. »

« What? Wait, then why can’t-« 

« I’m not allowed. Only postal workers can. I never trained as one. I work in admin. »

« So-« 

« Because it’s vital we get this future to the mailbox. »

Pascal looked at the ground and said in a soft voice that Sam almost couldn’t hear, « what if I fuck up? »

Sam sighed. « You can’t do any worse than last year. Trust me, this year… it’s not gonna be great, but they’re working on a solution that will make life okay again. So… use that to propel you forward, or something. »

Pascal smiled. « Thanks. » He stood up. « Okay, I’m ready. »

Sam looked at the young lad, wishing he could keep him here where he could guarantee his safety, but something in his youthful expression gave him hope, and there hadn’t been a lot of that recently.

Maybe this wouldn’t be such a bad decision after all, he thought as he brought Pascal to where they needed to go.