33 Comments
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Sandolore Sykes's avatar

This really drew me in--looking forward to Part 2... great use of simplicity and banality to build a slow and darkening suspense. Really well constructed beginning!

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Edward.Marlo.Ruiz's avatar

So fn glad you liked reading. 🙏🙌🤧

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Happy Nielsen's avatar

This was so cool! I’m coming back after reading part 3 to comment. The build up, the messaging, the characters! It was immersed completely and instantly.

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Edward.Marlo.Ruiz's avatar

Thank you so much for commenting on each piece, it’s truly appreciated. So glad you enjoyed the whole thing.

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T.P. Kaaos's avatar

This is amazing! The messages...I could hear them in my head, I love this structure! Please do more like this! You are a master of the highest literary degree! 🩵

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Edward.Marlo.Ruiz's avatar

Omg no way! But thank you for reading and leaving your thoughts. Always so appreciated. 🥲🙏

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T.P. Kaaos's avatar

I planned on doing it when I initially read it but life has a funny way of distracting us when we are busy doing things we actually like doing haha! Omg yes way and your welcome!

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Dr Priyanka Upadhyai's avatar

This was an amazing read and I enjoyed how you wove in the text bits 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

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L.G. Wells's avatar

Great job! A "project" similar to the interaction portrayed here is what planted the seed for me to give writing a shot. I'll have to write about it too, someday.

And as others have mentioned, I would love to see a sequel. My warped brain is already thinking of some horrific roads you could go down, and I hope you decide to carry the story forward. 🤘

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MundaneMarvels & SBG Photo's avatar

This was a fantastic read — subtle, real, and unsettling in the best way. You captured the rhythm of modern connection and the inner dialogue we all carry — especially when mediated by something that feels almost human but isn't.

I kept thinking about this line: “You know I damn near created him. For me. He was me. Is me.” That stuck with me.

It makes me wonder — how far are we from real AI digital assistants? Ones that truly know us, who evolve with us, and are always there when we need guidance. Not just tools, but companions we shape... and who end up shaping us in return. Your piece dances right on that edge.

Thanks for writing this — it’s stuck in my head.

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Edward.Marlo.Ruiz's avatar

Wow you captured exactly what I felt when writing and thinking about this piece. And I’m so happy the dialogue feels real! Thank you so much for your insights. Very much made my day

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Blace Alcock's avatar

Glad you figured out the formatting. Would have been disappointed to not get to see it. Great work as always!

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Edward.Marlo.Ruiz's avatar

Your words are blessed! Thank you. 🙏

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Matthew Rubenzer's avatar

That was a really creative piece! I like how the text chat leaves you wondering and makes you fill in the blank around the texts.

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Edward.Marlo.Ruiz's avatar

Thank you so much for reading. That was part of my aim with those! Make the reader feel 🤨

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Rachel Tribble's avatar

Wow. This grabbed me from the first line and I kept wondering what is going to happen next! So well done!!

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Edward.Marlo.Ruiz's avatar

Thank you! I’m glad you were grabbed, I wasn’t too sure about this first line but I appreciate you sharing.

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Pablo Báez's avatar

Dig the format and the premise. I think with a part two you could reinforce what you have here and make it hit harder.

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Edward.Marlo.Ruiz's avatar

Blessed! 🙏

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Taro Bahar's avatar

This was a great read, love the character’s perspective. I also thought buddy was one of his friends until I realised what was actually happening. The future is here 😂 Thank you, great read!

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Edward.Marlo.Ruiz's avatar

I’m so glad that worked! Very good to know. And it might be occurring already 😭

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Annieguile Bentulan's avatar

Is there a part two!!??? I want to know what happened to the date, now that he'll be out without BUDDY.. I know this is experimental but i loved it so much.

I was hooked right away. A lot if things are happening around but this got my attention and I zoned in!!

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Edward.Marlo.Ruiz's avatar

Wow maybe there is now! 👁️👁️ So happy you enjoyed this one. I found myself wanting to do more but I also liked it ending on that note. Glad it hooked you and everything worked out as intended!

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Annieguile Bentulan's avatar

Yayy! Will look forward to a part 2!!

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Garen Marie's avatar

Okay we definitely need a follow up from the date’s perspective. And what’s this guy gonna do without Buddy out with him? Or maybe he’s gonna bring him along?? Anyway, very cool stuff. Excited to read more.

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Edward.Marlo.Ruiz's avatar

Or will Buddy leave him in the dark???

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Garen Marie's avatar

👀

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Maryellen Brady 💗📚's avatar

Loved this one, you experimented & it worked so well. Nice! ❣🙌❣ really loved this ❣❣❣

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Edward.Marlo.Ruiz's avatar

Omg thank you! I’m so glad you really did

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Bradley Ramsey's avatar

This was amazing!! Ahhh, it’s so cool to see another writer experimenting with structure like this. I love how you did the messaging segments!

Brilliant concept for a story as well. I would absolutely read more of this! 👏🏻👏🏻

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Edward.Marlo.Ruiz's avatar

I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! It’s high praise coming from you. So glad it came out the way it did but I wasn’t sure I did my idea justice. Thank you! Need to catch up to your stuff, can’t wait. 🙏🙌

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Parker McCoy's avatar

I love how she made an error in her text message and corrected it right beneath it. That happens all the time in reality. This story has a nice build-up. I'm wondering and he and "Buddy" can pull it off.

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