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From: Wife 22 <Wife22@netherfieldcenter.org>

Subject: Timing

Date: May 18, 12:50 PM

To: researcher101 <researcher101@netherfieldcenter.org>

Researcher 101,

It might take me a little longer than usual to get the answers back to you, as things are a bit crazy here. I should probably let you know that my husband was demoted. I’m sure we’ll figure it out, but it’s been stressful on all of us. I have to say it’s a strange time to be recounting our courtship. It’s hard for me to reconcile the young, vibrant William and Alice with the currently middle-aged us. It makes me kind of sad.

All the best,

Wife 22

From: researcher101 <researcher101@netherfieldcenter.org>

Subject: Re: Timing

Date: May 18, 12:52 PM

To: Wife 22 <Wife22@netherfieldcenter.org>

Wife 22,

I’m very sorry to hear about your husband’s job. Please take all the time you need. Going back to the beginning is often difficult and dredges up all sorts of emotions. But in the long run I think you’ll find it enlightening to return to the past.

Sincerely,

Researcher 101

From: Wife 22 <Wife22@netherfieldcenter.org>

Subject: Re: Gambling

Date: May 18, 1:05 PM

To: researcher101 <researcher101@netherfieldcenter.org>

Researcher 101,

Sometimes when I log on to my computer I feel like I’m in a casino sitting in front of a slot machine. I have the same shivery feeling of anticipation—that anything is possible and anything can happen. All I have to do is pull the lever, i.e. press Send.

The rewards are immediate. I hear the machine churning. I hear all the lovely chimes and whooshes and pings. And when the symbols come up: “Kate O’Halloran likes your comment”; “Kelly Cho wants to be your friend”; “You have been tagged in a photo”—I am a winner.

What I’m trying to say is thanks for such a quick response.

Best,

Wife 22

From: researcher101 <researcher101@netherfieldcenter.org>

Subject: Unreachability

Date: May 18, 1:22 PM

To: Wife 22 <Wife22@netherfieldcenter.org>

Wife 22,

I understand what you’re saying completely, and often feel the same way, although I have to admit it worries me. It seems like we’ve gotten to the point where our experiences, our memories—our entire lives, actually—aren’t real unless we post about them online. I wonder if we might miss the days of being unreachable.

All the best,

Researcher 101

From: Wife 22 <Wife22@netherfieldcenter.org>

Subject: Re: Unreachability

Date: May 18, 1:25 PM

To: researcher101 <researcher101@netherfieldcenter.org>

Researcher 101,

I do not long for the old, unreachable days. When I’m plugged in I can go anywhere, do and learn anything. Today, for instance, I visited a tiny library in Portugal. I learned how the Shakers weave baskets and I discovered my best friend in middle school loves blood-orange sorbet. Okay, I also learned that a certain pop star actually believes she’s a fairy, an honest-to-goodness fairy from the fey people, but my point is access. Access to information. I don’t even have to look out my window to see what the weather is like. I can have the weather delivered every morning to my phone. What could be better?

Sincerely,

Wife 22

From: researcher101 <researcher101@netherfieldcenter.org>

Subject: Weather

Date: May 18, 1:26 PM

To: Wife 22 <Wife22@netherfieldcenter.org>

Wife 22,

Getting caught in the rain?

All the best,

Researcher 101