Vassi

"Vassi" by Art Lewis is a science fiction story that explores heavy themes of loneliness and what it means to be alive. The story centers on Julia Fenway, who is very sick, and her unlikely friendship with Vassi, a time traveler from far in the future. Julia works as a file clerk and is told by her doctor that she is going to die in a few months and feels alone and sad. One day, she starts hearing Vassi's voice inside her head. The two talk a lot, and Julia learns about time travel. Wanting anything to not die, she considers going with Vassi. Vassi wants to test time travel on her cat, Belle, and she must pick between her cat and herself. In a sad turn, Julia chooses to end her life, hoping to meet Vassi in another life without sickness. The narrative is filled with a feeling of wanting to find someone.