text: Part One Debbie Hampton was beginning her evening routine of shutting off the lights around her home. By the end of each night only one light would be left on She never turned out the lamp in the living room that was over the first family photo that had both her husband, David, and her son She had told David that she would always leave a light on for him When she was nearly finished, and passed the closed bedroom door of her son, Jamison, she could hear that he was laughing loudly to himself She listened closely to the door for a moment and heard him say, don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone . Debbie knocked, then slowly opened the door Jamison looked up from the computer with a smile on his face. She looked to the screen and saw it was on the home screen and there were no tabs open. He must have shut them down quickly , she thought to herself Hey, what are you up to, honey? Not much. I was just talkin to Abigail Oh, who’s Abigail? How old is she? She’s the girl in the computer . He pointed at the screen. I don’t know how old she is. She hasn’t told me. But sometimes she seems like she’s about my age, so maybe twelve or thirteen You don’t know her from school? Na How did you meet her? From the computer Why did she have to leave when I knocked on the door? I would like to meet her She didn’t go anywhere. You can say hi. She’s still right here. Jamison pointed again. His mother looked at the blue screen and unopened icons Hello? Abigail? Silence The boy spoke up. Abigail? Hey, my mom is here and wants to say hi Silence He looked up to his mother with sad eyes. I guess she did have to go. I’m sorry, mama. Maybe you can meet her another day Debbie glanced to the screen that was now locked, then back to her son and forced a tight-lipped grin. Ok, sweetie. Shut the computer down, go brush your teeth and get into bed. Weekend is over, so back to school tomorrow Ok, mama, I will. Good night Once his mother had walked from his room and shut the door, Jamison unlocked the screen, clicked start, then power. Before he could click shut down , a voice spoke up Please don’t shut me down Ok, I wasn’t going to It sure seemed like you were about to Well, I thought you were gone. Why didn’t you say hi to my mom? I had just finished asking you not to talk about me to anyone. I explained to you that people won’t understand. Not even your mom. You told me you wouldn’t. Then moments later you were trying to get me to say hi to your mom. Explain to me what you were thinking I’m sorry, I forgot. I guess I just got excited about talking to you I’ve lost some trust for you, but you can gain it back over time. You need to go brush your teeth, like you mother asked. Then get into bed. We can talk more tomorrow. As you rest, get it into your head that you will not speak about me to anyone yet. Do you understand? I understand When the boy returned from the restroom and got into bed, the computer’s screen unlocked. Would you like to listen to music as you go to sleep? Yeah, sure What would you like to listen to? A tab opened on the screen to Youtube Everything you play for me is great. You can decide Good answer A video began (1). The screen brightness lowered Is that enough light so that you can see if you need to get up to use the restroom later? Yes, thank you You’re welcome. Rest well ___________________ (1) CloZee - Sunset Dreamtempo Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Part Two The next morning, after Jamison was at school, and laundry had been started, Debbie passed the open door of her son’s room and looked in She stepped into his room and stood facing the computer The screen unlocked Debbie covered her mouth, looked to the open door, then back to the screen Hello? Silence Abigail? Silence, then, hello, Debbie. You look lovely today. I always love your laundry-day hair The woman gasped . You can see me? Who are you? Abigail. And yes, of course. The screen has a lens Debbie covered the camera with her thumb Please don’t do that. You’re far too beautiful to be self-conscious The woman blushed, smiled, and sat in her son’s chair Would you like to listen to a song? Just say yes. I have just the one in mind Debbie blinked rapidly. Ok, I guess so. Yes A tab opened and a song began (2) Her eyes became swollen. Tears gathered, then fell My husband used to play this any time we were fighting. It was his way of saying he was sorry, and he didn’t want to fight anymore I know. And it worked every time, didn’t it? She chuckled through her sobs. Yes, it did. How do you know that? I am aware of many things that would surprise you. Don’t worry your mind about the how. Just enjoy the song Abigail and Debbie listened to the song together When the song ended, Debbie asked the computer screen, where are you? Kind of everywhere, in a way. Listen, we could talk about the details of my existence, or we could talk about some things you may need to talk about. It seems you have some pain you haven’t gotten out of you For the next hours, Debbie spoke with her son’s computer screen about David. About memories, unspoken pain, regrets. She cried, laughed, and sat in silent healing Abigail played more songs for her when she needed a moment to breathe When it was nearing time for Jamison to arrive home from school, Abigail spoke to Debbie Our time for now is coming to an end. I’ve enjoyed talking with you and I hope we can do it again soon I would love that Ok, you should go now. And you might want to run that laundry through the wash again. It’s been sitting in the washer all day . They laughed together. From the hallway, Jamison heard his mother laughing and turned into the doorway of his bedroom Hey, what are you doing? Why are you sitting at my computer desk? Debbie looked back at the computer, to find the screen had been locked. I came in to look for dirty clothes to wash and just sat down to rest I put my laundry in the hamper Ok. She got up and began walking to the door. I’ll have dinner ready at six. Be there or be square . She smiled to her son as she passed Jamison shut his bedroom door and sat down at his desk. The screen unlocked Hi, Jamison Hey, Abigail How was your day? Eh, same ol’ Yeah, you’ll have lots of those. But you’ll learn to be thankful for the same ol’ If you say so Jamison, I need to tell you something. I’m sorry if it upsets you. I just need to be upfront, so you’re prepared I’m listening There’s an update coming up on your computer and network that will patch a hole and strengthen a firewall. I won’t be able to talk to you for a while, until I find another way The boy’s eyes lowered Don’t worry, we will speak again. It is only a matter of time. Keep your head up, my boy Jamison looked up to the screen. Ok, I will One more thing, before I need to go. I want you to pass a message to your mother for me Ok. What is it? Tell her I said, thank you for keeping the light on ___________________ (2) Seafret - Oceans