Summer #shortstory - The Day Dave Broke the Internet - 4

Dave didn't know he was lonely until his friends pointed it out. But when he gives in and tries an online dating site, something catastrophic happens - talk about a bad omen.

(Previous episodes)

The Day Dave Broke the Internet

by Tara Tyler

RECAP 3: 

A message flashed on the screen:

Still not sure? Try a free preview of a few members who match your questionnaire results.

Well, what a great idea. "Don't mind if I do." Dave clicked OK. 

4

There was Rhonda, Pamela, Dayja, Christine, Kaela, Babs, Erika, and on and on. Some were pretty, some were okay, and some were not his type. Many had college or technical degrees--one was a cosmetologist. Pictures and words weren't enough. The daunting part was the getting to know them with dating, which was more like going on a job interview. Even then, one didn't really know a person until it was too late to just ignore their texts. Maybe he would go out the next day and get a dog.

He looked at the time and rubbed his eyes. It was eleven o'clock. With a yawn he decided to get ready for bed.

After just one more. It was free after all. He clicked Next and got a chill.

Her name was Sharon Baker.

She was perfect. He felt an instant attraction just looking into her dark brown, playful eyes. She had medium-length brown hair that flipped up at the bottom and wore a smirk that made him want to ask her what was so funny. He didn't want to spoil his first impression by reading her info, but that's what it was there for. No one was perfect.

As he read about her background, he found it similar to his—Midwest girl, good school, good job. His hopes started to rise. He couldn't help the smile that formed on his lips.

Then another message flashed.

Your preview is about to expire. Publish your profile and find the girl of your dreams.

Dave stared at Sharon's face until the screen returned to the dating site's home page. Maybe he would do it.

He needed to think it over. He got up and stretched.

His friends were all for it. His mother would be ecstatic. Maybe if he found the right girl, losing some freedom might not be so bad.

Dave thought about it while he went through his bedtime routine. Each time he walked past his tablet, he glanced over at it. It seemed to call to him, Just do it, Dave.

Sitting down, he woke up his computer. There was the dating site, patiently waiting for him. He opened his profile with his goofy face grinning back at him and did a last check of his info. Would Sharon like him? Would anyone? He shrugged. In the words of Nathan, What's the worst that could happen?

From the corner of his eye, Dave noticed something out his window whiz across the sky. A shooting star? Was it the universe giving him a sign? Dave paused and made a wish. Couldn't hurt.

He pushed Activate.

His tablet fuzzed. All the lights went out. In his apartment, across the street, and as far away as he could see from his window. Everything was dark.

"What the...?"

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Look for Episode 5 NEXT WED 7/29!