The upstairs level of Mall 303 shimmered as happy shoppers rode the escalators, oblivious to their surroundings.

Mother noticed the change in light as she reached the top floor and gasped wide-eyed as the holographic emitters flickered, dissolving the shops and cafes.

She turned and fled, her heart racing. Where’s my son, Henry?

Once downstairs, she hurried to the front entrance but skidded to a stop at the closed glass doors. Strangely, she wasn’t surprised they refused to open.

Her eyes quickly scanned the entrance floor and settled on the fire exit sign to the left. ‘There,’ she said, but she was dismayed to find that the door bar wouldn’t move. ‘No, no!’ she wailed. Where’s my son, Henry? I want to go home.

Mother considered the basement, but her stomach knotted at the thought. She gulped loudly and slumped to the floor, her back to the wall.

It was more a sense of presence that made her look up and then smile. ‘Henry, you’re here?’ She breathed relieved.

‘I always come at this time of day, find you and guide you down to the basement.’ His voice was kind, his eyes soft and caring.

‘I want to go home, Henry,’

‘Yes, I know, but the basement is your way out,’ Henry said, lifting her to her feet, gently placing his hand at the small of her back, and leading the way.

Her fears vanished as she strode with Henry into the light of a busy room filled with equipment, white-gowned individuals, humming machines, and the sound of random chatter.

‘See you in twenty minutes, Mother, and then I’ll get us home.’ He smiled.

‘Alice 1395-002, are you here for your daily upgrade?’ The white-gloved hand pointed to the chair.

Mother nodded.