Globalization Screwed Relationships Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Life is just a series of reactions to the unknown. Big cities are unpredictable lying machines. Unpunctuality is blamed on traffic. Forgetfulness on stress. Laziness on unemployment. Cheating on overpopulation. Everything in between these buildings is lies, faintly tainted with truth. An everyday event is turned into a life-altering event.

So humans invented lie-proof devices: cellphones, beepers, GPS... Even kids have one of those. Hence, one's trust in another is left in an undying tool. How can any relationship be succesful without trust? How can one trust in an old fashioned way? As much as it hurts, humans have made themselves dependant on artificial eyes, ears and hands. Concrete walls may block your view, roaring motors may deafen your ears, a love for plastic may numb your touch... but you'll always have something to regain your senses.

Kenny and Willow never left their cellphones at home. They talked to each other frequently, if not by text messages, they'd chat or drop comments and e-mails. They saw each other every day, at school, after school, on weekends, on holidays; but they felt that keeping communication shortened the distance and the anxiety to see each other. Sometimes, imagination (mixed with jealousy and frenzy) would get the best of them, and a simple call was all they needed to breathe easily again. Unconsciously, they kept track of the other's activities; they trusted each other, but checking in wouldn't hurt either.

Ironically, you still have to rely on a human being who creates the magical devices... or in the voice at the other end of the line. Without knowing, they had turned their relationship into an eternal attendance check. Unfortunately, distance and presence cannot be dismissed forever.