In This Life And Beyond

Ryan walked towards the door and extended her hand to grasp the doorknob. She paused momentarily. The memory of Sophie’s hurtful actions from Wednesday still lingered, causing a lingering pain within her. Nevertheless, Sophie finally decided to become a resident and give their relationship a chance. She was conflicted about what she should do.

Observing Ryan’s hesitation, Sophie approached Ryan slowly from behind and gently wrapped her arms around her.

“I got you,” Sophie assured.

Still avoiding eye contact, Ryan expressed her concern, “How can I be certain you won’t change your mind?"

“I won’t because I deserve happiness. I deserve to be with you.” Sophie expressed to Ryan, recounting the vivid dream she had of Jordan. She openly acknowledged her internal battle in resisting the urge to reconsider her decision. “I’m not entirely sure what was going through my mind, but I promise that if you give me a chance, I will never let you go.”

After contemplating Sophie’s words, Ryan finally responded, “Ok.”

Ryan turns towards Sophie, their eyes locking in a powerful gaze, and in that moment, an unspoken promise passes between them. They embraced each other and shared a deeply passionate kiss, expressing their unwavering devotion to one another.  It was a pledge that they would always remain by each other’s side.

After breaking free from their embrace, Sophie and Ryan exchanged warm smiles. Sophie spoke up, her voice filled with longing, “I want to see you.”

“You see me now.” Ryan sounded confused.

“No, the real you, not your digital self.”

Ryan lets out an audible sigh, a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. “Are you sure? What if you don’t like what you see?”

“Woman, are you serious? I see you, Ryan. Not merely your physical appearance but the essence of who you are. Your inner beauty radiates in countless ways - your kindness, your empathy. The moments we've shared, exploring new places and simply being together, have reignited a light within me that I thought had faded. You've captured my heart completely. Please allow me to see you and be there for you as you cross over.”

Reluctantly Ryan mustered the words, “Ok.”

“Great…Where are you located?” Sophie inquired.

“I’m in Central City. And you?” Ryan replied.

“Gotham South. You know you’re not far from me.” Sophie remarked.

Ryan acknowledged with a nod, saying, “Yes, I’m aware.

The two made plans for Sophie to travel to Central City for Ryan’s transition. Mary interrupts them from the balcony, “Is it safe to come down now?”

“Yes!” Sophie and Ryan respond in unison.

__________

Flashback

Pax Technologies

In 2041, Pax Technologies achieved a revolutionary breakthrough by transferring the consciousness of a dying person to the cloud, offering the possibility of eternal life. Soon after this accomplishment, they further advanced the technology by constructing virtual towns that simulated daily life for its inhabitants.

Unsurprisingly, this development faced opposition from those who believed it defied the natural order of life by evading death. As a result, the federal government intervened and imposed stringent regulations on its usage. 

Under these regulations, only patients in hospice care were permitted to access the cloud three days each week to decide whether they wanted a virtual afterlife or a natural death. If the patient opted for the afterlife, their doctor had to provide the state with medical documents confirming the patient is approaching the end of their life, along with a predetermined date for the transition.

Furthermore, specific limitations were placed on family members wanting to visit their loved ones in the cloud. Family members were allowed visitation up to five days per month.

-----

Saturday Evening

Before retiring for the night, Sophie informed her caregiver, Carole, about her intention to visit Ryan in Central City the following day. Carole expressed opposition to the idea, but Sophie remained determined. She had made a firm decision to keep her promise to Ryan, even if it meant finding an alternative mode of transportation. Carole eventually relented, acknowledging Sophie's unwavering resolve.

On Sunday morning, Sophie woke up in excruciating pain. The cancer had spread throughout her body, rendering her medication ineffective. The doctors had given her a prognosis of six months to live, but Sophie was a fighter. Although a year had passed since her initial diagnosis, she knew she wouldn't survive another month. Yet, Sophie had come to terms with her situation. Having lived a long life and now at the age of eighty-five, she was weary of the battle. Meeting Ryan provided her with one final reason to fight a little longer.

Carole assisted Sophie in getting dressed, knowing that the drive to Central City would take approximately thirty minutes. Once Sophie was ready, Carole packed her medicine, clothes, and oxygen tank. Shortness of breath was one of the many challenges Sophie faced in the advanced stages of her cancer.

Upon her arrival at the Central City Care facility, Sophie received a warm welcome from Ryan's caregiver, Denise. "Ms. Moore, I'm Denise, Ryan's caregiver. Thank you for coming. Before we enter Ryan's room, I would like to discuss Ryan's condition with you. Three months ago, Ryan was transferred from Gotham North to Central City following a stroke. Fortunately, we had an available spot for a hospice care patient when other hospitals in Gotham did not. The stroke has left Ryan's left side paralyzed, making it challenging to understand her speech. She primarily communicates through her iPad."

Curious, Sophie asked, "Is that why Ryan has chosen to pass over?"

Denise nodded, replying, "That's one of the reasons, but she also has stage 4 pancreatic cancer."

Expressing her surprise, Sophie remarked, "You would think that in 2071, there would be a cure for cancer."

Denise sighed and explained, "Well, we have made some progress, but cancer is an intricate disease. Each cancer is caused by a unique set of mutations. This means that a drug that proves effective for one cancer patient may have no effect on another."

"I truly hope that in the future, medical advancements will offer improved treatments to extend and enhance a person's lifespan," Sophie’s words echoed through the hallway as she made her way toward Ryan’s room.

With a mix of anticipation and apprehension, Sophie entered Ryan's room. As her gaze fell upon Ryan, her breath caught in her throat. Even in her eighties, Ryan remained breathtaking. Her once long, black, and curly hair was now short and gray. Nevertheless, it suited Ryan well. One aspect that had not changed was Ryan's infectious smile, capable of illuminating even the darkest of days.

Sophie approached Ryan's bedside and gently took hold of her hand. "Hey, gorgeous," she greeted softly, her voice filled with affection.

“Hey,” Ryan responded.

"I kept my promise, didn't I? I’m here, and you look just as beautiful as the first time I saw you at the Hold Up. I couldn't tear my eyes away from you then, and it's no different now."

For the next hour, they engaged in conversation, although much of their interaction involved simply gazing and exchanging smiles. Occasionally, Ryan would type out longer responses on her iPad, allowing Sophie to fully understand her thoughts.

As Ryan and Sophie were immersed in conversation, Carole entered the room to check on Sophie and deliver some news. She informed Sophie that her room was ready. Prior to her arrival at Central City, Sophie had asked Carole to inquire about the availability of a room for her to stay overnight. Ryan was scheduled to pass over on Monday evening, and Sophie was determined to be by her side when that moment arrived. Sophie thanked Carole, and Carole smiled and walked out of the room.

When Sophie left her home earlier that morning, an idea swelled in her mind. As she looked at Ryan, that idea began to take a more concrete shape, evolving into a fully-fledged plan. Doubt lingered in the back of her mind, questioning whether it was too soon to act, but a sense of readiness and determination welled up within her. She was prepared to take a leap of faith. But she needed to consult with Carole to get her plan in motion.

Rising from her seat with deliberate slowness, Sophie approached the door, assuring Ryan that she would return soon. As she stepped outside, her gaze fell upon Carole, standing by the nurse’s station down the hall, talking to a couple of women. Carole noticed Sophie's presence and approached her with a curious expression.

"Sophie, you shouldn't be walking around in your condition. Is there something you need?" Carole inquired, her tone laced with concern.

Sophie took a deep breath, her voice steady but filled with resolve. "I need you to do me a favor." She told Carole of her plan.

"I'm not sure if that's doable, Sophie," Carole stated with a note of skepticism. "The process typically takes several weeks to complete. You're asking for it to be done before tomorrow evening."

Sophie nodded, understanding the challenges ahead but determined, nonetheless. "I know it's a tight timeframe, but we have to at least try."

Carole sighed, acknowledging the significance of Sophie's request. "I will need to consult with your doctor. Ultimately, he will have the final say in pushing the paperwork through."

Carole contacted Sophie's physician, Dr. Steven Nestor. Putting him on speakerphone, Sophie explained her plan in detail.

"Sophie, I must emphasize that you're expecting a lot to be accomplished within such a short period of time," Dr. Nestor cautioned, his voice filled with concern. "What time is she scheduled to crossover?"

"4 pm tomorrow," Sophie responded with hope in her voice.

Dr. Nestor paused, contemplating the feasibility of fulfilling Sophie's request. "I cannot make any guarantees, but I will do my best to make it happen."

Sophie expressed her gratitude, her voice filled with appreciation. "Thank you so much, Dr. Nestor."

The following day, Sophie joined Ryan in her room for breakfast. They spent hours talking and just enjoying each other's company.  Around 1:00 pm, Sophie began to worry she still hadn’t heard from Dr. Nestor. Carole had been in and out of the room, ensuring that she was comfortable and not in any pain, but there was no word from Dr. Nestor.

As the time approached for Ryan to passover, Sophie could sense Ryan was getting nervous. She was scared. But who wouldn’t be scared?  Your set date is the day you die. Uploading a person's consciousness requires that person to be alive; it’s inconceivable if you die unexpectedly. That’s why Jordan wasn’t uploaded to the cloud; she died suddenly. Once the patient was successfully uploaded, the doctor would administer a sleep-inducing cocktail through an IV, ultimately stopping the heart. It was an unsettling process, yet a necessary one. Once the procedure concluded, the person became nothing more than a mere shell of their former self.

At approximately 2:30 pm, Carole burst into the room. She leaned in close to Sophie and whispered, “It’s a go.” Sophie’s heart raced with excitement. She nodded in response and politely requested Carole leave the room, allowing her and Ryan some privacy.

Sophie took a deep breath, her grip tightening around Ryan's hand as she mustered the courage to speak. "Ryan, even though our time together has been relatively short, I feel an undeniable bond between us. There are countless qualities about you that I already cherish - your kind heart, your infectious smile - but above all; it's the way you make me feel when we're together. I feel safe, loved, and treasured in your presence. I don't know what lies ahead for us, but I do know one thing with absolute certainty: I promise to love you with all my heart from this life and beyond. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?"

Ryan's eyes filled with tears, overcome by a surge of emotions. Summoning all her strength, she answered Sophie with a resounding "Yes." In that moment, Sophie leaned in, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss that conveyed all the love and affection she held for Ryan. As they finally broke apart, Sophie moved towards the door to let the priest in who would officiate their wedding ceremony.

The wedding itself was a brief and understated affair. They exchanged heartfelt vows, devoid of rings but acutely aware that their hearts were already intertwined. With the pronouncement of their commitment and a final kiss, it was time to prepare Ryan for her impending journey. Ryan's caregiver and another staff member entered the room, attending to her needs, changing her into a hospital gown, and gently transferring her onto a gurney. Sophie observed the fear that lingered on Ryan's face.

"Hey, everything is going to be okay," Sophie reassured her, mustering a comforting smile. "I'll let the staff finish preparing you, and I'll be waiting for you in the procedure room. You won't be alone, and I'll be holding your hand every step of the way."

Ryan looked into Sophie's eyes, seeking reassurance. "You promise?" she asked.

Sophie's expression softened, radiating warmth and sincerity. "Yes, I promise," she affirmed.

Twenty minutes later, the staff finished the preparations and wheeled Ryan into the procedure room. The room resembled an operating room, complete with heart monitors, IV poles, and a table adorned with the necessary equipment for transferring Ryan's consciousness to the cloud. As the gurney came to a stop, Ryan glanced to her right, surprised to find Sophie lying on an adjacent gurney.

“You didn’t think I would let my wife take this journey alone.” Sophie declared.

Tears welled up in Ryan's eyes once more, deeply moved by the profound act of selflessness before her. "I love you," Ryan whispered.

"I love you too," Sophie replied, her voice brimming with sincerity.

As the procedure commenced, their hands intertwined, their gazes locked in a profound connection. They existed in a realm of their own, oblivious to the presence of the doctors and staff surrounding them.

Clayton, the staff member responsible for conducting the procedure, approached the table and retrieved two small white circular devices. One was affixed to Ryan's temple, while the other found its place on Sophie's. Once securely positioned, Clayton returned to the table and picked up an iPad.

"Sir, we are ready," Clayton informed the doctor.

The doctor nodded, signaling Clayton to proceed. Clayton tapped on the iPad, swiping his finger across the screen before finally pressing it. The devices on the wives' temples illuminated with a soft blue glow. Three minutes into the procedure, Sophie murmured, "Forever," a solitary tear rolling down her cheek.

Shortly after, the device lights transitioned from blue to green.

Clayton carefully removed the devices from Sophie and Ryan. "The process has been completed, sir," he reported.

The doctor nodded, his attention now focused on the iPad in his hands. He swiped the screen and pressed it, initiating the flow of liquid from a nearby bag into Sophie and Ryan's IV lines. The doctor monitored the heart rate display as both readings fluctuated erratically before ultimately flatlining.

"Time of death for both Sophie and Ryan Wilder-Moore: 5:35 pm, June 10, 2071," the doctor solemnly announced, his gaze shifting between the lifeless forms of the two women, their hands still firmly clasped together.