‘Can’t wait muchlonger buddy,’ the young man said, his brittle smile beginning to turn down atthe corners. I studied the face through the screen, watching the little yellowsquares confirm the focus was just right. The girl giggled again and Ihesitated, watching as her square flickered uncertainly. The thought crossed mymind that she might come out blurred, and I fought a brief, insane urge tolaugh hysterically.

The man’s strained smile had almost fadedcompletely, replaced by a guarded e...