Chapter 3: Last night on earth
"Then I volunteered," Mike calmly stated after a minute of silence.
"Wh-what?" James stuttered, his eyes widening. "Y-you... can you repeat what you just said?"
"I said... I volunteered." Mike was patient with the old man. His reaction was normal, and Mike could sympathize with him after finding out that he had spent years searching for beta testers.
"I–" James couldn’t believe his ears. Even though this was what he had always wanted, at some point, it had become impossible to achieve. And just when he thought tonight would be another disappointing one after a volunteer backed out, this man he hadn’t even known for an hour actually decided to step in.
Was he dreaming?
It seemed so unbelievable that he couldn’t help but pinch his thigh.
’It hurts,’ he cried silently, but the pain was quickly replaced by unquenchable joy.
"I..." he opened his mouth, his voice trembling, barely able to contain the excitement. "Are you sure about it? We just agreed that you’re going to think about it and contact me later, but now, you’re directly signing up."
Mike shrugged and leaned back in the chair. His gaze was a bit distant, but his eyes held a hint of determination that puzzled James.
"Yes, I’ve decided. I’m sure of it."
This was his last hope. Even though it was faint, he didn’t hesitate to grab onto it. As long as he could live, he’d even walk a thousand stairs. He’d do anything to escape the hand of his impending death. He just wanted to live longer.