“Last week we went to Rome, and the month before me and Andy went to Tokyo, but the kids couldn’t join us that time. Oh, and right before that we took a quick trip to Tahiti on the way!” Laura had been gushing about her many trips for hours on end. She was unstoppable. “Wow!” Jen finally piped up. “And your job just lets you… do that?” “Take vacations? Of course! They don’t mind. In fact, they like that it makes me more productive at work! It was their idea in the first place, actually. Company policy.” she said with a smile. “But it must cost so much! Do they pay for it?” Jen asked. It had been a while since she’d caught up with Laura, and clearly it was not a moment too soon. So much had happened to her friend, it felt hard for Jen to wrap her head around. That must be a dream job, she thought for a second. “They don’t, but it’s really cheap if you know how to budget. Next week we’re going to see Africa, though we haven’t decided on Tanzania or Kenya. Maybe we’ll do both!” Laura launched into another monologue, about her and Andy’s upcoming vacations, this time. It’s endless! Jen thought to herself, but she didn’t want to interrupt her friend. She seemed so happy telling her about all of her plans. Laura eventually went to take a sip from the cup in front of her, and Jen took the opportunity to speak up. “But I mean, does it leave any time for work? It sounds like you’re away all the time! I mean, I get, like… four weeks off per year after five years.” “Oh yeah,” Laura said excitedly. She couldn’t wait to brag to her friend about her amazing workplace and starting to speak faster and faster. “It’s no problem at all. They let me take this time off and somehow at the end of the year I’ve put all my hours in! You just have to budget your time correctly. Anyone can do it.“ The conversation went on for hours. The two friends were so lost in the moment that it was nearly dark outside when Laura realized she could barely see across the table and got up to turn the lights on. “I should be going anyway,” Jen said as Laura flicked the switch. “It’s getting late and I have to make dinner.” The two friends said their goodbyes. After she watched her friend drive away and turn around the corner at the end of the street, Laura closed the door. The house fell silent. The kids were in college, and Andy was on a business trip abroad. It was just her and the dark quiet. And tomorrow would only be Tuesday. Without a word, Laura sat down in front of the computer. She put on the goggles first. “Computer, give me vacation in Tanzania, please.” “Understood,” a female voice said from the speakers. “First, please confirm the end user license agreement.” Laura sighed. Why do I have to do this every time, she thought. Can’t wait for technology to improve. “I agree.” She finally said to the AI. “Confirmed.” The sterile voice spoke up. “Enjoy your week in Tanzania.” Immediately, Laura leaned back in the chair, turning despondent. On the screen, a timer flickered: 30 minutes, counting down. Laura was at the airport, waiting in line to board the plane to Tanzania. I’m gonna have so many things to tell Jen when I get back, she thought to herself from the back of the endless line. . (Idea inspired by a Youtube comment)