Another End

Thank you, dear.

I'm so sorry to bother you. You're an angel.

Now come on in.

You see...

I tried to do it, but my hands have got arthritis.

One day, my husband tried to undo it,

but the screws were too tight.

Now, it's all in here.

The new shower head and some pliers, if you need them. Hmm?

- It's fixed. -Already?

Well, sit down for a minute. A cup of herbal tea at least.

OK.

It's good.

My own blend. Not the kind you get in the shops.

Would you like a cookie?

-OK. -Mh.

I put lemon peel in them.

- -Oh, excuse me a wee minute.

Thank you again for fixing the shower.

My grandson keeps promising to do it but he never does.

Have you met the new neighbors?

-No, I haven't. -Oh. Well, they sure do make some racket.

-Have you heard them? -Yes.

Well, I mean, something needs to be said about it.

They can't keep playing their music so loud.

Apparently, they set their old house on fire.

We're all set, the clothes are on the sofa.

Thank you.

Excuse me a minute.

See you tomorrow.

Yes, see you tomorrow.

Hey, look, this one's cute, right?

How much for this?

Yes, I'm coming!

Turn it off, Sal.

Flo? Florence!

Turn the music down!

- What? - I said "turn it down"!

Hi, Clara. May I come in?

Of course.

I know why you came, and I'm telling you, there's no point.

We already discussed it after the accident.

You're not the only people devastated by that accident.

I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do.

There's a whole lot you can do.

Are you trying to make me feel guilty?

-No. -Good.

Because it wasn't me driving that fucking car.

Therapy would help, you know?

Therapy?

Is that what you call it, so you can sell it better?

No. I call it that because I think it would help you.

It would help us to be with some stranger?

It would not be a stranger. It would just be a different body.

With Zoe's memories, Zoe's thoughts.

Let her live again.

You think we don't want her to live? Huh?

Get out of this house.

Get out.

In one week, Aeterna will remove her memory from the archives and...

Don't touch it.

...all you have of her...

...is this.

I'm giving you access to her memories.

And it's up to you to decide if Zoe is in those memories...

...or here...

...in this urn.

["Origin Of The World" Erik Truffaz & Murcof]

Another End is our second chance.

When one suffers a sudden loss,

it's as if everything is suspended,

waiting, as it were, for time to untangle the knots.

Another End offers us that time.

Time to prepare ourselves to say goodbye.

The match of Absent One to Host

is made according to a compatibility calculation,

which then determines the number of possible sessions,

as well as the total duration of the simulation.

Once an assignment is made, the Host metabolizes the memory of the Absent One

while sleeping.

Upon awakening, the memory is activated

setting in motion the simulation.

Naturally, the Host's own consciousness is suspended

for the entire session.

You'll find all the information you need in here...

...regarding the simulation...

...as well as the subsequent psychological assistance we provide.

-Can I ask one more question? -Yes, of course.

Might... I have one...

...a little younger?

As I explained, assignments are made on the basis on compatibility.

It is not possible to choose the Host.

-Oh. -I'm sorry.

OK, thank you.

Do I need to put the photos away? -Oh, no, no.

The Absent Ones continue to see themselves as they were before.

So there's no need to remove anything, unless you prefer to do so.

Do you mind if I take a look in the kitchen cabinets?

Sure, yeah.

I moved a lot of things around.

I don't know, do you want me to put them back where they were?

That's completely up to you.

The... once the memory bridge is in place,

your wife will be awoken in the hospital.

For her, it will be like opening her eyes after being in a long coma.

Sorry, it's for the insurance.

-What do you mean by "memory bridge"? -The memory of being rescued.

It serves to make the reawakening a little bit more plausible.

Speaking of which, would you come with me?

Is this what she was wearing?

-Yes. -OK. Then we're all set.

Remember to check the list we sent you. Your wife's contacts.

And if you find anyone who's not being notified, please tell us.

In case your wife runs into anyone she knows.

She's not my wife.

We never married.

OK. Still, if anyone comes to mind,

make sure to add them to the list,

so that we can alert them of the simulation.

OK.

Thank you.

I will get out in a few minutes.

Once we get there, we'll sedate her again.

And then get ready for the second phase of the awakening,

-which will take place in the hospital. -OK.

And remember, nothing that could possibly let the Absent One know she's deceased.

Not a word about it, no hesitation in your eyes,

no uncertainty in your expression.

If you feel unwell or something goes awry,

just look away, take a moment to collect yourself,

and then, when we get to the hospital, step away from the stretcher.

Because during the reawakening phase,

even the slightest doubt could compromise the simulation.

Forever.

OK.

Are you ready?

Yes. Yes.

Alright, let's go.

Thank you.

Fifteen seconds.

Five seconds.

Take it easy, everything's OK.

-Hey. -Hey.

- Are you OK? -Everything is fine.

Can you tell me your name?

Zoe... Zoe Stern.

- Do you remember where you live? - 35 Pinecone Street.

And where were you going?

To the Atlantic, I think.

I'm fine. It's fine.

Everything's going to be OK.

All right?

- Hi. -Hi.

Can you turn the music down, please?

-Oh, sorry, my daughter. She... - Who is it?

It's just the neighbor, don't worry. He needs us to turn the music down.

Oh, invite him in.

-It's late. -No, it's fine, he's here...

I don't think that's a good idea.

Just go and get Flo to turn the music off.

Sorry. It's late!

Hi. Um, sorry about that.

Um... do come in, won't you?

Oh, no, no. No, really.

Please, come and have a drink. We can get to know each other finally.

-Come on. - Flo, can you turn down the music?

OK.

Um... Would you like a beer or a Coke?

-Um... A beer. Yes. Thank you. -OK.

- Mom, get out! - Don't talk to me like that.

I already told you, you mustn't go out tonight!

Mom, you can't ground me forever!

Put your pajamas back on and go back to bed!

OK! But first you have to get out of my room!

Get out of my room.

Get out, get out, get out of my room!

Mom, get out of my room.

Get out of my room.

Get out of my room.

Sorry, could you help me turn the music down?

I don't know how it works...

- - Oh, thank God.

There was so much smoke.

I, um...

I couldn't see anything. And...

They, um...

She still doesn't know it's her fault.

I'm sorry.

She thinks I don't know she smokes.

How is this possible?

Oh, uh, Synchronization.

I think that's what they call it.

You know, when two Absent Ones

are awakened at the same time.

That's how it works.