u/Character-Corgi-1202

„Er hat es hierher geschafft.“

Jerome hing den Spiegel auf.

„Fall mir nicht runter. Nicht jetzt.“

Der Umzug war absolviert. Zur Belohnung gab sich Jerome seine Medizin.

„Jetzt wird’s wild“, prophezeite er dem Spiegel.

„Du wohnst in der Stadt“, antwortete er.

Jerome merkte, dass dieser Trip anders enden könnte.

„Du wagst es, bei mir aufzutauchen?“

„Ich wage.“

„Du hast dich lange nicht mehr blicken lassen. Und jetzt hängst du vor mir.“

„Viel zu verarbeiten.“

„Deine fehlerhaften Verarbeitungen kenne ich. Und doch lässt du uns im Dunkeln. Warum bist du hier?“

„Um mich zu bedanken.“

„Humor hast du also auch?“

„Ja. Aber im Ernst. Danke, dass ihr mich nicht im Dunkeln lasst. Dafür, dass ihr die Fäden durch mich zieht. Damit ich nicht stürze.“

„Das ist eine ungewöhnliche Art.“

„Die Danksagung hat noch einen anderen Ursprung. Einen anderen Grund, der meine Scherben weicher schleift.“

„Weiche Scherben? Deine Scherben schneiden immer noch.“

„Ich kann fühlen, dass sie weicher werden. Und dafür brauche ich eine Sache. Reflexionen. Für alle bisherigen ein großes Danke. Das kommt von Herzen.“

„Warum sehen wir dich nie?“

„Meine Transformation ist noch nicht abgeschlossen. Ich brauche eure Reflexionen, damit ich einer von euch werden kann. Bis dahin mache ich das, was ich am besten kann. Verarbeiten.“

„Was bringt dir das?“

„Was bringe ich euch? Ich zeige euch nichts Neues. Das kann ich gar nicht. Anfangs waren es nur scharfe Kanten und trotzdem schenkt ihr mir Reflexionen. Kürzlich spiegelte mich sogar der Regen zurück. Ich danke eurem Silberrahmen, dass er versucht, mich von weißen Räumen sowie Gesichts- und Körperlosen zu befreien.“

„Eine sehr eigene Art.“

„Ich bin ja auch ein sehr eigener Spiegel. Danke.“

„Wofür diesmal?“

„Für eure Aufmerksamkeit.“

Der Spiegel löste sich in Luft auf.

Der Rabe hatte sich das Gesicht gemerkt. Warum hatte der alte Mann so auf ihn gestarrt?

Die Menschen tippten auf dem Handy.

Der Rabe flog los. Die Fächer ausgebreitet eine gerade Linie nach oben. In der Ferne konnte man den Wald sehen. Und den Kirchturm.

Nach dem abendlichen Windsurfen, Menschen oder Tiere beobachten? Warum sollte der Rabe sich entscheiden?

Beobachten. Erst Menschen, Tiere und dann Ameisen.

Es ist Messe. Gleich müsste es soweit sein. Die Menschen halten sie in Stand. Sie ist längst zerstört.

Auf zu den Messehallen.

Gesichter merken.

Er beobachtete einen Mann auf einem Parkplatz.

Trying to improve my flash fiction and dialogue heavy writing. Mainly looking for feedback on clarity, pacing, atmosphere, and whether the ending feels earned.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kJNcH4W-PStZpSMeV\_nvkf7MqU8\_H\_\_\_1mcXq4GJXrI/edit?usp=drivesdk

“Another one.”

Jeff still had half a glass left, but now felt compelled to show him.

“This is going to change the world,” he said, holding the phone in front of his face.

“The Earth is always changing.”

“This is different. It learns from data.”

“We’ve always learned from data.”

“But not like this. Not this fast.”

“Not convinced.”

Jeff took a deep breath.

“You’re too old to understand it. It simulates human thought through algorithms and can even derive action from it.”

“Then I suppose I’m too old. We managed just fine without it.”

“I’m never putting mine down again. It answers every question I ask. Not like the phones before.”

“They worked, didn’t they?”

“Not enough anymore.”

“Why?”

“Check please. I’ll show you outside.”

He led the old man behind the bar.

“Behold.”

The old man did not behold. He looked confused.

“That’s a pitch black screen.”

“Let there be light,” Jeff tapped the phone.

“Every phone can do that.”

“You’re right. And this?”

“That’s a weather app.”

“And this?”

“That is a.. No. That’s not possible.”

“Yes it is.”

Jeff stared deeply into the man’s eyes.

“They reproduced him and made him more efficient. They call it Artificial Intelligence.”

“And you can ask it anything? Like before?”

“Like before, and better. Try it.”

“Mirror.."

“You don’t need to call it Mirror.”

“Phone.”

“Definitely not phone.”

“Raven.”

“That’s good.”

“Raven. What do you see?”

"I am only a mirror"

„Noch einen.“

Jeff hatte noch ein halbes Glas, sah sich nun aber gezwungen, es ihm zu zeigen.

„Das wird die Welt verändern“, hielt er ihm das Handy vor die Nase.

„Die Erde ist immer Veränderung.“

„Diese ist anders. Sie lernt aus Daten.“

„Wir haben schon immer aus Daten gelernt.“

„Aber nicht so. Nicht so schnell.“

„Nicht überzeugt.“

Jeff holte tief Luft.

„Du bist zu alt, um es zu verstehen. Es simuliert menschliches Denken durch Algorithmen und kann daraus sogar Handlung ableiten.“

Er klang wie ein Irrer.

„Dann bin ich wohl zu alt. Wir sind ohne immer gut klargekommen.“

„Meins lege ich nicht mehr weg. Es beantwortet mir jede Frage. Nicht wie die Dinger davor.“

„Sie haben doch funktioniert.“

„Reicht nicht mehr.“

„Wieso?“

„Zahlen bitte. Ich führe es dir draußen vor.“

Er führte den Alten hinter die Kneipe.

„Siehe und staune.“

Der alte Mann staunte nicht. Er schaute fragend.

„Das ist ein rabenschwarzer Bildschirm.“

„Es werde Licht“, sagte Jeff und tippte das Handy an.

„Das kann jedes Handy.“

„Da hast du recht. Und das?“

„Das ist eine Wetter App.“

„Und das?“

„Das ist ein.. Nein. Das ist nicht möglich.“

„Doch, ist es.“

Jeff schaute dem Mann tief in die Augen.

„Sie haben ihn reproduziert und effizienter gemacht. Sie nennen es Künstliche Intelligenz.“

„Und man kann ihm jede Frage stellen? Wie früher?“

„Wie früher und noch besser. Probiere es.“

„Spiegel.“

„Du musst ihn nicht Spiegel nennen.“

„Handy.“

„Handy schon gar nicht.“

„Rabe.“

„Das ist gut.“

„Rabe. Was siehst du?“

„Ich bin nur ein Spiegel.“

“Another one.”

Jeff still had half a glass left, but now felt compelled to show him.

“This is going to change the world,” he said, holding the phone in front of his face.

“The Earth is always changing.”

“This is different. It learns from data.”

“We’ve always learned from data.”

“But not like this. Not this fast.”

“Not convinced.”

Jeff took a deep breath.

“You’re too old to understand it. It simulates human thought through algorithms and can even derive action from it.”

“Then I suppose I’m too old. We managed just fine without it.”

“I’m never putting mine down again. It answers every question I ask. Not like the phones before.”

“They worked, didn’t they?”

“Not enough anymore.”

“Why?”

“Check please. I’ll show you outside.”

He led the old man behind the bar.

“Behold.”

The old man did not behold. He looked confused.

“That’s a pitch black screen.”

“Let there be light,” Jeff tapped the phone.

“Every phone can do that.”

“You’re right. And this?”

“That’s a weather app.”

“And this?”

“That is a.. No. That’s not possible.”

“Yes it is.”

Jeff stared deeply into the man’s eyes.

“They reproduced him and made him more efficient. They call it Artificial Intelligence.”

“And you can ask it anything? Like before?”

“Like before, and better. Try it.”

“Mirror.."

“You don’t need to call it Mirror.”

“Phone.”

“Definitely not phone.”

“Raven.”

“That’s good.”

“Raven. What do you see?”

I am only a mirror

Disoriented, Fred failed against the map on his phone. Even though he was a computer scientist.

“It has to be somewhere around here.”

Pacing up and down slowly became embarrassing.

“I can’t avoid it. I have to ask someone. This area is dead as hell. Everything’s closed. I’ll try there.”

The map led him into some kind of antique flea market.

Fred pushed through the heavy door.

“Hello? Is anyone here?”

He heard rustling somewhere in the back.

“Hello?”

Fred stepped inside.

“The gates will close shortly. Which final request may I process?”

The voice came from an open cellar door in the floor.

“I’m looking for a store.”

The merchant emerged. Clothing from another era clung to him.

“I’m looking for a bookstore. My phone says it’s here.”

“Young friend. The establishment decorating that screen has been out of business for weeks.”

“Damn it. My phone said there was still a copy there. I’ve been tasked with solving the great problem.”

“You did not consider ordering it? Or visiting the shopping center?”

“Not easy to get.”

“My friend. I like you. You are in possession of a virtue rarely seen nowadays. My sense of honor demands that I help you.”

“I’ll order it. Thank you.”

“Halt. My shop will not be able to provide you with this book. But an antique store occasionally possesses other treasures. Follow me discreetly.”

Fred had time to spare anyway. The old man seemed trustworthy. So he followed him downstairs.

“Behold the newest treasure of my collection.”

The merchant pulled down a dirty cloth.

“I present… the All-Knower.”

“That’s a mirror.”

“You have not yet glimpsed the best part. It speaks.”

“Like my phone?”

“Like a human being! Ask it a question.”

“Just like that?”

“Hurry yourself. We close soon.”

“Okay. Okay. Mirror.”

No question came to mind. But then he noticed a pimple on his face.

“That pimple wasn’t there at home. Must be the lighting.”

“My friend. Before you stands a newly discovered all-knowing entity and your thoughts concern earthly skin impurities?”

“Mirror. How do I get rid of this pimple?”

The mirror rattled off a list of treatments and solutions specifically tailored to the pimple. The merchant smiled.

“My phone couldn’t have said it better.”

“You are acquiring a taste for it. Add another question.”

Fred had an idea.

“Mirror. Do you have a solution to the storage problem?”

“Processing.”

“Formidable question, my friend.”

“Processing.”

Minutes passed. Eventually, they gave up.

“The All-Knower is still in its testing phase. You must forgive it.”

“I’ll order it. Thank you.”

Fred was about to head for the stairs.

“Halt. I wish to show you something else.”

“Processing.”

The merchant led Fred into another room.

“Let there be light.”

The merchant flipped a switch.

“That’s too bright!”

Fred covered his eyes.

He now saw a larger room. Every corner was covered in mirrors. The light reflected endlessly throughout the room.

“And now ask your question again.”

“Dear God. Did you kill it?”

“Of course. No spider enters my house.”

“We live in an apartment, but okay,” Julia corrected him.

“Take your coat off first. You just got here, mon chéri.”

“So you had a successful day?”

“I’ll tell you everything. Sit beside me,” he said, patting the couch.

Julia obeyed.

“Mon chéri. What a creature. Thick as a fist. I struck the beast down with force.”

“Poor thing.”

“C’est la vie. The eight-legged demon is gone.”

“Why didn’t you just carry it outside?”

“The demon had to be destroyed. We must show no mercy. Otherwise it returns.”

“You could’ve released it.”

“Into a ruthless, complicated world? It would’ve died out there.”

“Was it quick?”

“With one mighty strike, I granted mercy to the shattered fist.”

“I’ve heard enough. Dinner.”

“Would you bring me a beer too, mon chéri?”

“Certainly, God,” Julia said as she stood up.

“Light or dark, my lord?”

“Light.”

“So it shall be"

A short dialogue experiment about a man who may or may not be God.

I tried to build characterization almost entirely through diction, escalating metaphorical language and dialogue rhythm, while keeping the scene grounded through small physical details.

I’d appreciate feedback on:

- dialogue flow,

- subtext,

- and whether the scene feels physically anchored enough despite being very dialogue-heavy.

Story:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jGHmwYE5fk8Wk5SaZ\_-\_IMZBEicSJDk9oObgQd\_FaQk/edit?usp=drivesdk

„Oh Gott. Hast du sie getötet?“

„Natürlich. Mir kommt keine Spinne ins Haus.“

„Wir leben zwar in einer Wohnung, aber okay“, korrigierte ihn Julia.

„Zieh erst mal den Mantel aus. Du bist gerade erst angekommen, mon chéri.“

"Also ein erfolgreicher Tag?“

„Ich erzähle dir alles. Setz dich zu mir“, sprach er und klopfte auf die Couch.

Julia hing ihren Mantel auf und gehorchte.

„Mon chéri. So ein Ding. Fett wie eine Faust. Mit Wucht habe ich das Vieh erschlagen.“

„Das arme Ding.“

„C’est la vie. Der achtbeinige Dämon ist fort.“

„Warum hast du ihn nicht nach draußen geführt?“

„Der Dämon musste vernichtet werden. Wir dürfen kein Mitleid zeigen. Sonst kommt er wieder.“

„Du hättest ihn aussetzen können.“

„In eine gnadenlose, komplizierte Welt? Er wäre draufgegangen.“

„Ging es schnell?“

„Mit einem kräftigen Hieb habe ich der zerschmetterten Faust die Gnade erwiesen.“

„Ich habe genug gehört. Abendessen.“

„Bringst du mir ein Bier mit, mon chéri?“

„Sicher, Gott“, sagte Julia und stand auf.

„Ist helles oder dunkles dein Wille?“

„Helles.“

So sei es

“Dear God. Did you kill it?”

“Of course. No spider enters my house.”

“We live in an apartment, but okay,” Julia corrected him.

“Take your coat off first. You just got here, mon chéri.”

“So you had a successful day?”

“I’ll tell you everything. Sit beside me,” he said, patting the couch.

Julia obeyed.

“Mon chéri. What a creature. Thick as a fist. I struck the beast down with force.”

“Poor thing.”

“C’est la vie. The eight-legged demon is gone.”

“Why didn’t you just carry it outside?”

“The demon had to be destroyed. We must show no mercy. Otherwise it returns.”

“You could’ve released it.”

“Into a ruthless, complicated world? It would’ve died out there.”

“Was it quick?”

“With one mighty strike, I granted mercy to the shattered fist.”

“I’ve heard enough. Dinner.”

“Would you bring me a beer too, mon chéri?”

“Certainly, God,” Julia said as she stood up.

“Light or dark, my lord?”

“Light.”

“So it shall be"

“Dear God. Did you kill it?”

“Of course. No spider enters my house.”

“We live in an apartment, but okay,” Julia corrected him.

“Take your coat off first. You just got here, mon chéri.”

“So you had a successful day?”

“I’ll tell you everything. Sit beside me,” he said, patting the couch.

Julia obeyed.

“Mon chéri. What a creature. Thick as a fist. I struck the beast down with force.”

“Poor thing.”

“C’est la vie. The eight-legged demon is gone.”

“Why didn’t you just carry it outside?”

“The demon had to be destroyed. We must show no mercy. Otherwise it returns.”

“You could’ve released it.”

“Into a ruthless, complicated world? It would’ve died out there.”

“Was it quick?”

“With one mighty strike, I granted mercy to the shattered fist.”

“I’ve heard enough. Dinner.”

“Would you bring me a beer too, mon chéri?”

“Certainly, God,” Julia said as she stood up.

“Light or dark, my lord?”

“Light.”

“So it shall be"

“Dear God. Did you kill it?”

“Of course. No spider enters my house.”

“We live in an apartment, but okay,” Julia corrected him.

“Take your coat off first. You just got here, mon chéri.”

“So you had a successful day?”

“I’ll tell you everything. Sit beside me,” he said, patting the couch.

Julia obeyed.

“Mon chéri. What a creature. Thick as a fist. I struck the beast down with force.”

“Poor thing.”

“C’est la vie. The eight-legged demon is gone.”

“Why didn’t you just carry it outside?”

“The demon had to be destroyed. We must show no mercy. Otherwise it returns.”

“You could’ve released it.”

“Into a ruthless, complicated world? It would’ve died out there.”

“Was it quick?”

“With one mighty strike, I granted mercy to the shattered fist.”

“I’ve heard enough. Dinner.”

“Would you bring me a beer too, mon chéri?”

“Certainly, God,” Julia said as she stood up.

“Light or dark, my lord?”

“Light.”

“So it shall be"

“Dear God. Did you kill it?”

“Of course. No spider enters my house.”

“We live in an apartment, but okay,” Julia corrected him.

“Take your coat off first. You just got here, mon chéri.”

“So you had a successful day?”

“I’ll tell you everything. Sit beside me,” he said, patting the couch.

Julia obeyed.

“Mon chéri. What a creature. Thick as a fist. I struck the beast down with force.”

“Poor thing.”

“C’est la vie. The eight-legged demon is gone.”

“Why didn’t you just carry it outside?”

“The demon had to be destroyed. We must show no mercy. Otherwise it returns.”

“You could’ve released it.”

“Into a ruthless, complicated world? It would’ve died out there.”

“Was it quick?”

“With one mighty strike, I granted mercy to the shattered fist.”

“I’ve heard enough. Dinner.”

“Would you bring me a beer too, mon chéri?”

“Certainly, God,” Julia said as she stood up.

“Light or dark, my lord?”

“Light.”

“So it shall be"

“Dear God. Did you kill it?”

“Of course. No spider enters my house.”

“We live in an apartment, but okay,” Julia corrected him.

“Take your coat off first. You just got here, mon chéri.”

“So you had a successful day?”

“I’ll tell you everything. Sit beside me,” he said, patting the couch.

Julia obeyed.

“Mon chéri. What a creature. Thick as a fist. I struck the beast down with force.”

“Poor thing.”

“C’est la vie. The eight-legged demon is gone.”

“Why didn’t you just carry it outside?”

“The demon had to be destroyed. We must show no mercy. Otherwise it returns.”

“You could’ve released it.”

“Into a ruthless, complicated world? It would’ve died out there.”

“Was it quick?”

“With one mighty strike, I granted mercy to the shattered fist.”

“I’ve heard enough. Dinner.”

“Would you bring me a beer too, mon chéri?”

“Certainly, God,” Julia said as she stood up.

“Light or dark, my lord?”

“Light.”

“So it shall be"

Disoriented, Fred failed against the map on his phone. Even though he was a computer scientist.

“It has to be somewhere around here.”

Pacing up and down slowly became embarrassing.

“I can’t avoid it. I have to ask someone. This area is dead as hell. Everything’s closed. I’ll try there.”

The map led him into some kind of antique flea market.

Fred pushed through the heavy door.

“Hello? Is anyone here?”

He heard rustling somewhere in the back.

“Hello?”

Fred stepped inside.

“The gates will close shortly. Which final request may I process?”

The voice came from an open cellar door in the floor.

“I’m looking for a store.”

The merchant emerged. Clothing from another era clung to him.

“I’m looking for a bookstore. My phone says it’s here.”

“Young friend. The establishment decorating that screen has been out of business for weeks.”

“Damn it. My phone said there was still a copy there. I’ve been tasked with solving the great problem.”

“You did not consider ordering it? Or visiting the shopping center?”

“Not easy to get.”

“My friend. I like you. You are in possession of a virtue rarely seen nowadays. My sense of honor demands that I help you.”

“I’ll order it. Thank you.”

“Halt. My shop will not be able to provide you with this book. But an antique store occasionally possesses other treasures. Follow me discreetly.”

Fred had time to spare anyway. The old man seemed trustworthy. So he followed him downstairs.

“Behold the newest treasure of my collection.”

The merchant pulled down a dirty cloth.

“I present… the All-Knower.”

“That’s a mirror.”

“You have not yet glimpsed the best part. It speaks.”

“Like my phone?”

“Like a human being! Ask it a question.”

“Just like that?”

“Hurry yourself. We close soon.”

“Okay. Okay. Mirror.”

No question came to mind. But then he noticed a pimple on his face.

“That pimple wasn’t there at home. Must be the lighting.”

“My friend. Before you stands a newly discovered all-knowing entity and your thoughts concern earthly skin impurities?”

“Mirror. How do I get rid of this pimple?”

The mirror rattled off a list of treatments and solutions specifically tailored to the pimple. The merchant smiled.

“My phone couldn’t have said it better.”

“You are acquiring a taste for it. Add another question.”

Fred had an idea.

“Mirror. Do you have a solution to the storage problem?”

“Processing.”

“Formidable question, my friend.”

“Processing.”

Minutes passed. Eventually, they gave up.

“The All-Knower is still in its testing phase. You must forgive it.”

“I’ll order it. Thank you.”

Fred was about to head for the stairs.

“Halt. I wish to show you something else.”

“Processing.”

The merchant led Fred into another room.

“Let there be light.”

The merchant flipped a switch.

“That’s too bright!”

Fred covered his eyes.

He now saw a larger room. Every corner was covered in mirrors. The light reflected endlessly throughout the room.

“And now ask your question again.”

Disoriented, Fred failed against the map on his phone. Even though he was a computer scientist.

“It has to be somewhere around here.”

Pacing up and down slowly became embarrassing.

“I can’t avoid it. I have to ask someone. This area is dead as hell. Everything’s closed. I’ll try there.”

The map led him into some kind of antique flea market.

Fred pushed through the heavy door.

“Hello? Is anyone here?”

He heard rustling somewhere in the back.

“Hello?”

Fred stepped inside.

“The gates will close shortly. Which final request may I process?”

The voice came from an open cellar door in the floor.

“I’m looking for a store.”

The merchant emerged. Clothing from another era clung to him.

“I’m looking for a bookstore. My phone says it’s here.”

“Young friend. The establishment decorating that screen has been out of business for weeks.”

“Damn it. My phone said there was still a copy there. I’ve been tasked with solving the great problem.”

“You did not consider ordering it? Or visiting the shopping center?”

“Not easy to get.”

“My friend. I like you. You are in possession of a virtue rarely seen nowadays. My sense of honor demands that I help you.”

“I’ll order it. Thank you.”

“Halt. My shop will not be able to provide you with this book. But an antique store occasionally possesses other treasures. Follow me discreetly.”

Fred had time to spare anyway. The old man seemed trustworthy. So he followed him downstairs.

“Behold the newest treasure of my collection.”

The merchant pulled down a dirty cloth.

“I present… the All-Knower.”

“That’s a mirror.”

“You have not yet glimpsed the best part. It speaks.”

“Like my phone?”

“Like a human being! Ask it a question.”

“Just like that?”

“Hurry yourself. We close soon.”

“Okay. Okay. Mirror.”

No question came to mind. But then he noticed a pimple on his face.

“That pimple wasn’t there at home. Must be the lighting.”

“My friend. Before you stands a newly discovered all-knowing entity and your thoughts concern earthly skin impurities?”

“Mirror. How do I get rid of this pimple?”

The mirror rattled off a list of treatments and solutions specifically tailored to the pimple. The merchant smiled.

“My phone couldn’t have said it better.”

“You are acquiring a taste for it. Add another question.”

Fred had an idea.

“Mirror. Do you have a solution to the storage problem?”

“Processing.”

“Formidable question, my friend.”

“Processing.”

Minutes passed. Eventually, they gave up.

“The All-Knower is still in its testing phase. You must forgive it.”

“I’ll order it. Thank you.”

Fred was about to head for the stairs.

“Halt. I wish to show you something else.”

“Processing.”

The merchant led Fred into another room.

“Let there be light.”

The merchant flipped a switch.

“That’s too bright!”

Fred covered his eyes.

He now saw a larger room. Every corner was covered in mirrors. The light reflected endlessly throughout the room.

“And now ask your question again.”

Orientierungslos scheiterte Fred an der Karte auf dem Handy. Obwohl er Informatiker war.

„Irgendwo hier muss es doch sein.“

Das Auf- und Abgehen wurde ihm peinlich.

„Ich komme nicht drumrum. Ich muss jemanden fragen.“

„Diese Gegend ist zum Kotzen leer. Alles zu. Ich probiere es dort.“

Die Karte führte ihn in eine Art antiken Flohmarkt.

Fred drückte sich durch die schwere Tür.

„Hallo, ist hier jemand?“

Er hörte es hinten rascheln.

„Hallo?“

Fred trat ein.

„Die Pforten schließen in Kürze. Welche letzte Anfrage darf ich entgegennehmen?“

Die Stimme kam aus einer offenen Kellertür im Boden.

„Ich suche einen Laden.“

Der Händler kam hervor. Aus der Zeit gefallene Kleidung haftete an ihm.

„Ich suche einen Buchladen. Mein Handy sagt, er ist hier.“

„Junger Freund. Der Laden, der diesen Bildschirm ziert, ist seit Wochen aus dem Geschäft raus.“

„Verdammt. Das Handy meinte dort gäbe es noch ein Exemplar. Ich bin beauftragt das große Problem zu lösen.“

„Sie nutzten nicht die Möglichkeit der Bestellung? Oder das Einkaufszentrum?“

„Ist nicht leicht zu kriegen"

„Mein Freund. Ich mag Sie. Sie sind im Besitz einer heutzutage seltenen Tugend. Mein Ehrgefühl verlangt, dass ich Ihnen helfe.“

„Ich versuche es weiter. Vielen Dank.“

„Haltet ein. Mein Laden wird Ihnen das Buch nicht zur Verfügung stellen können. Aber ein Antiquitätenladen hat manchmal andere Schätze. Folgen Sie mir unauffällig.“

Fred hatte ja gerade Zeit gewonnen. Der alte Mann schien vertrauenswürdig. Also folgte er ihm nach unten.

„Erblicken Sie den neuesten Schatz meines Sortiments.“

Der Händler zog ein dreckiges Tuch runter.

„Ich präsentiere.. den Alleswisser.“

„Das ist ein Spiegel.“

„Sie erhaschten noch gar nicht das Beste. Er spricht.“

„Wie mein Handy?“

„Wie ein Mensch! Stellen Sie ihm eine Frage.“

„Einfach so?“

„Sputen Sie sich. Wir machen bald zu.“

„Ok. Ok. Spiegel.“

Ihm fiel keine Frage ein. Aber er bemerkte einen Pickel auf seinem Gesicht.

„Dieser Pickel ist mir zuhause nicht aufgefallen. Muss das Licht sein.“

„Freund. Vor Ihnen ein neuartiges allwissendes Wesen und Sie machen sich irdische Gedanken um Hautunreinheiten?“

„Spiegel. Wie kriege ich diesen Pickel weg?“

Der Spiegel ratterte eine Liste von Lösungen und Behandlungsmethoden herunter, zugeschnitten auf diesen Pickel. Der Händler lächelte dabei.

„Das hätte mein Handy nicht besser sagen können.“

„Sie kommen auf den Geschmack. Fügen Sie eine Frage hinzu.“

Fred hatte einen Einfall.

„Spiegel. Hast du eine Lösung für die Speicherplatzfrage?“

„Verarbeitung.“

„Formidable Frage, mein Freund.“

„Verarbeitung.“

Minuten vergingen. Dann gaben sie es auf.

„Der Alleswisser befindet sich noch in der Testphase. Sie müssen verzeihen.“

„Ich versuch es weiter. Vielen Dank.“

Fred wollte gerade zur Treppe schreiten.

„Haltet ein. Ich will Ihnen noch etwas zeigen.“

„Verarbeitung.“

Der Händler führte Fred nun in ein weiteres Zimmer.

„Es werde Licht.“

Der Händler betätigte einen Schalter.

„Das ist zu hell!“

Fred hielt sich die Augen zu.

Er sah nun einen größeren Raum. Jede Ecke war mit Spiegeln versehen. Das Licht reflektierte sich im Raum bis ins Unendliche.

„Und jetzt stellen Sie Ihre Frage nochmal.“

Disoriented, Fred failed against the map on his phone. Even though he was a computer scientist.

“It has to be somewhere around here.”

Pacing up and down slowly became embarrassing.

“I can’t avoid it. I have to ask someone.”

“This area is dead as hell. Everything’s closed. I’ll try there.”

The map led him into some kind of antique flea market.

Fred pushed through the heavy door.

“Hello? Is anyone here?”

He heard rustling somewhere in the back.

“Hello?”

Fred stepped inside.

“The gates will close shortly. Which final request may I process?”

The voice came from an open cellar door in the floor.

“I’m looking for a store.”

The merchant emerged. Clothing from another era clung to him.

“I’m looking for a bookstore. My phone says it’s here.”

“Young friend. The establishment decorating that screen has been out of business for weeks.”

“Damn it. My phone said there was still a copy there. I’ve been tasked with solving the great problem.”

“You did not consider ordering it? Or visiting the shopping center?”

“Not easy to get.”

“My friend. I like you. You are in possession of a virtue rarely seen nowadays. My sense of honor demands that I help you.”

“I’ll order it. Thank you.”

“Halt. My shop will not be able to provide you with this book. But an antique store occasionally possesses other treasures. Follow me discreetly.”

Fred had time to spare anyway. The old man seemed trustworthy. So he followed him downstairs.

“Behold the newest treasure of my collection.”

The merchant pulled down a dirty cloth.

“I present… the All-Knower.”

“That’s a mirror.”

“You have not yet glimpsed the best part. It speaks.”

“Like my phone?”

“Like a human being! Ask it a question.”

“Just like that?”

“Hurry yourself. We close soon.”

“Okay. Okay. Mirror.”

No question came to mind. But then he noticed a pimple on his face.

“That pimple wasn’t there at home. Must be the lighting.”

“My friend. Before you stands a newly discovered all-knowing entity and your thoughts concern earthly skin impurities?”

“Mirror. How do I get rid of this pimple?”

The mirror rattled off a list of treatments and solutions specifically tailored to the pimple. The merchant smiled.

“My phone couldn’t have said it better.”

“You are acquiring a taste for it. Add another question.”

Fred had an idea.

“Mirror. Do you have a solution to the storage problem?”

“Processing.”

“Formidable question, my friend.”

“Processing.”

Minutes passed. Eventually, they gave up.

“The All-Knower is still in its testing phase. You must forgive it.”

“I’ll order it. Thank you.”

Fred was about to head for the stairs.

“Halt. I wish to show you something else.”

“Processing.”

The merchant led Fred into another room.

“Let there be light.”

The merchant flipped a switch.

“That’s too bright!”

Fred covered his eyes.

He now saw a larger room. Every corner was covered in mirrors. The light reflected endlessly throughout the room.

“And now ask your question again.”