The following weekend after her visit to FOT sub-quarters, Jane went and married Hughie Stevens. It was a remarkable wedding, and Jane couldn't be happier with her choice. Two months later, Jane and Hughie invited Tiana to their home for supper. Throughout the evening, Jane continued to pester Tiana about signing up for FOT (Fate in One Tap), showcasing how perfect her own marriage was with Hughie.
After dinner, while chatting in the living room, Jane delivered some exciting news to Tiana—she was four weeks pregnant. Tiana congratulated them and expressed her happiness for their growing family. However, Jane couldn't resist bringing up FOT once again, urging Tiana to consider signing up.
Tiana expressed her doubts about the whole process, mentioning her nervousness about opening up to strangers and the fear of marrying someone she doesn't know. Jane persisted, assuring Tiana that FOT could find a match even for someone as anti-social as her. She highlighted Tiana's positive qualities, but Tiana remained cautious due to her past experiences and lack of confidence.
Despite Tiana's reservations, Jane continued to emphasize the benefits of using FOT. She painted a picture of loneliness and singledom, urging Tiana to think about having a special someone to support and stand by her side. Tiana reluctantly agreed to think about it, aware that her friend was concerned about her ending up alone.
Two days later, Tiana found herself sitting at her desk, contemplating her friend's persistent urging to try the FOT app. As she observed her colleague Jane receiving congratulations for her pregnancy, a twinge of envy stirred within her.
"Congratulations! Is it a girl or a boy?" Jason, one of Tiana's coworkers, asked Jane.
"I'm four weeks pregnant, Jason. We can't tell yet," Jane replied.
"Sorry, I was never good in biology. Girl or boy, I'm sure the baby will be just as lovely and beautiful as the mother."
"Thanks. And how's Mary?" Jane inquired.
"She's doing great. This FOT thing! I can't stress enough how thankful I am for it. Thanks to them, even workaholics like me who don't have time to date get to marry such beautiful girls," Jason exclaimed. Those listening to him couldn't help but smirk, aware that Jason's real reason for using FOT wasn't lack of time but rather his clinginess and childish jealousy that had ruined his past relationships.
Linda, their supervisor, quietly listened in on their conversation. Linda, a proud single woman who harbored a personal dislike for the FOT agenda, couldn't resist joining in.
"I heard that after scanning your face, they even assign a level to you based on your facial features. The app will only show you potential matches within your level, so that your chosen partner won't be too disappointed when you marry them," Linda stated.
"And your point is?" Jason questioned.
"It's abusive, almost like forced slavery for the chosen partners. They're being coerced into marrying complete strangers without regard for their own preferences," Linda replied.
"Well, I don't know about that, but when it comes to looks and levels, my wife is way out of my league," Jason boasted.
"Aren't you just blinded by the overwhelming feeling of finally having a woman in your life?" Linda challenged.
"I'll tell you one thing, if I'm truly blind, there's nothing in this world that would make me willingly want to see again. Because my wife... Ah, she's perfect!"
"Alright, alright, we get it. She makes you happy," Linda responded, clearly annoyed.
"Why don't the two of you give it a try as well? Sign up for FOT!" Jason suggested to Linda and Tiana.
"I believe this app will only further reduce interpersonal communication between people. It shouldn't be encouraged. If more and more people start using it, how will they learn the necessary skills for smooth and transparent communication? How can they claim to help anti-social individuals connect when they are actually denying them the opportunity to learn how to communicate for themselves? Interpersonal communication is a learned behavior, you can't force it," Linda explained her point of view.
"Well, I don't know about others, but if this app had been available six years ago, my twins, who are on their way now, would already be five years old. And as for mustering the courage and skills needed to court someone, it would have taken the old me at least fifty years just to approach a girl. And I believe it's the same for most people out there. Time waits for no one. Sitting around waiting for someone to make a move on you is just a foolish and childish act. The biological clock won't wait for you," Jason retorted, causing Linda to become furious at his insult.
"What did you say?" she angrily exclaimed.
"Calm down, Linda!" Tiana interjected, stepping between them. "What Jason is trying to say is that, at least with the app, you won't have to go through countless painful heartbreaks that come with dating. I know what it feels like to be betrayed by someone you love. How many people are you going to date to finally find someone serious? How many years are you going to waste? And even if you do find someone, happiness isn't guaranteed. It's better to settle down with a partner, at least."
"Whatever! We should get back to work!" Linda ordered, storming away from their conversation.
"What about you, Ms. Walker? Do you also believe FOT is here to crush social networking among people?" Jason asked Tiana.
"I'm not certain, but I'm sure it's not as bad as Linda claims it to be," Tiana replied.
"Then why don't you go for it? I'm telling you, you won't regret it! There are hundreds of handsome partners waiting for you to choose from."
"That's what I keep telling her too!" Jane chimed in.
"I'll think about it! But why do they call them partners anyway?"
"Like piers waiting offshore for ships, they stand ready to welcome anyone who chooses them, regardless of their looks," Jason explained.
"I still can't believe there are people like that. Is this really legal? It sounds a bit like slavery in nature," Tiana expressed her concern about the program's legality.
"It's one hundred percent legal. It's a quid pro quo situation. I provide money and a house, and she brings homekeeping skills and her charming smile," Jason replied.
"I'm sure she'll think about it. Let's get back to work before Linda scolds us again," Jane suggested.
"Don't waste your time thinking, Ms. Walker. Just do it. Wavering won't help you in any way. You'll just end up getting old and dying alone," Jason mockingly teased Tiana.
"Come on now, leave her alone. Don't force her," Jane said to Jason, trying to diffuse the situation.
The conversation came to an end, and they all returned to their work, albeit with the FOT debate still lingering in the air.
Tiana found herself torn between the two perspectives. She understood Linda's point about the importance of learning communication skills and not relying solely on technology. However, Jason's argument resonated with her, as she considered the endless heartbreaks that often came with traditional dating.
Linda became frustrated with Jason's remarks and left the conversation. Tiana, trying to mediate, reminded Jason that Linda had valid concerns about FOT and its potential negative effects on social interactions. Jason encouraged both Tiana and Linda to sign up, emphasizing the benefits and the chance to find happiness without the pain of repeated heartbreaks.
Tiana, feeling the weight of her friends' arguments, contemplated the idea of signing up for FOT. She acknowledged that time was passing, and finding a partner through traditional means seemed challenging for her. Tiana's thoughts swayed back and forth, considering the pros and cons of FOT.
Finally, after about a month of being pressured by her friends and realizing the truth in some of their points, Tiana decided to take the leap. She went to the FOT sub-quarters and signed up for Fate in One Tap, hoping that it would lead her to the happiness and companionship she desired.
