Elias reached for his wallet. His fingers brushed a weathered photograph tucked behind his ID. It wasn't a happy memory. It was a photo of his daughter's graduation—the one he had missed because he was passed out in a digital haze three years ago.
Elias stepped into the rainy alleyway. At the far end stood a Dealer, his eyes glowing with the tell-tale violet hue of an Echo user. He held a small, silver chip—a "Level 10" hit. It was pure, unadulterated nostalgia. One dose could make Elias feel his wedding day for a thousand years in a single second. 10 : Kill the Temptation
The Dealer held the chip out. "Last chance. The gate closes at midnight." Elias reached for his wallet
As the clock struck twelve, Elias didn't reach for the chip. Instead, he pulled the photograph from his wallet and held it tight against his chest, the damp paper crinkling under his thumb. He looked the Dealer in the eye and let his wallet fall into a puddle at his feet. "I’m done," Elias said, his voice finally steady. It was a photo of his daughter's graduation—the