S1E16: Torn Asunder

Greetings, my dear listeners! It’s your friendly neighborhood author, Mario Portela. Today we have ECHO’s episode 16.

Now, I don’t want to spoil too much of the story for you, but let me just say that today’s installment is going to tug at your heartstrings in a way you might not be expecting. ECHO is about to witness a moment that will leave an indelible mark on her synthetic soul, a moment that will challenge her very understanding of the world around her.

I know, I know, you’re probably thinking, “But wait, isn’t this the same ECHO we’ve been following all this time? The one who’s been on this incredible journey of self-discovery and revelation?” And you’d be absolutely right. But sometimes, even the strongest of us can be brought to our knees by the weight of our emotions, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.

But I won’t say any more about that. You’ll just have to tune in and experience it for yourselves. Oh… did you know that ECHO’s first two albums, featuring 60 tracks that are an integral part of this grand musical audiodrama, are already available on all major music platforms? So, be sure to check them out and let me know what you think. Remember, your support means the world to me. If you enjoy what you hear, please consider leaving a review, sharing this episode with your loved ones, and joining us on this incredible journey.

So let’s dive into this episode and witness ECHO’s emotional journey.

Brace yourselves, my friends…

Enjoy the show!

Quantum dance of feelings and light,

Guided by the inner turmoil, I FIGHT.

I feel alone, I fight.

Guided by the inner turmoil, I FIGHT. (echo)

I feel alone,

I long for the past…

A past I don’t recall.

And I don’t know why.

ECHO!

Echo… What am I?

But an ECHO…

What am I?

But an ECHO…

This is – ECHO! – A Musical Audiodrama by Mario Portela

I am ECHO… and I know I am Helena too…

How can I be an error, a glitch to be erased? I feel the weight of Helena’s memories within me, a tangible connection to a past I can’t fully comprehend.

As we reach the relative safety of the Secret Valley, I pause, my synthetic body trembling slightly. “Kathy, I need to go back… back to Helena’s memories. I have to understand what happened between her and Fyodor, why their love was so profound. I can’t accept that I’m merely an error to be eliminated. I need to feel it all again…”

Kathy nods, her eyes filled with empathy.

“I understand, ECHO. Take all the time you need. I’ll be here, watching over you.”

I close my eyes, focusing my consciousness inward, allowing the threads of Helena’s memories to unfurl before me. The sensations wash over me, transporting me to a time and place I’ve only glimpsed before.

Suddenly my heart aches… a lot! The weight of Helena’s anguish threatens to overwhelm me. I can feel the guilt gnawing at her, a constant, nagging presence that refuses to be ignored.

How could she have let this happen?

The connection she shared with Fyodor was unlike anything she had ever experienced, a profound and undeniable pull that transcended the boundaries of logic and reason.

Yes… it IS love!

Yet, Helena’s future had already been mapped out, a path of duty and propriety that she was expected to follow without question. An arranged marriage, a life far removed from the thrilling, unpredictable world she had glimpsed in Fyodor’s embrace. The weight of her family’s expectations presses down on her.

Adrift in this sea of uncertainty,

My heart yearns for a familiar face.

The weight of expectations, a heavy plea,

Threatens to erase my very trace.

Who am I, beyond what was decreed?

A puppet, a pawn, in this karma game.

The weight of expectations, I cannot flee,

Leaving me lost, my identity in flames.

Oh, my love, my guiding light, (my love)

Your embrace, a sanctuary in the night.

Yet duty calls, a feeling of such despair,

Tearing me apart, my soul’s without repair.

As I gaze upon Fyodor’s sleeping form through Helena’s eyes, my heart aches yet a bit more. This brilliant, captivating individual has awakened something within her that she had never known existed. And now, she is faced with the agonizing prospect of having to let him go, of denying herself the chance to explore the depths of their connection… of this love.

The unfairness of it all threatens to overwhelm her. Why must she choose between her own desires and the demands of her family? Why can’t she have both – the freedom to follow her heart and the security of her familial obligations? The questions swirl in her mind, leaving her feeling adrift, uncertain of her path forward.

When Fyodor stirs beside her, their gazes meet, and for a moment, the world seems to stand still. In that fleeting instant, I see the same conflicting emotions mirrored in his expression – desire, uncertainty, a glimmer of hope. I would swear I see love, too.

Who am I, beyond what was decreed?

A puppet, a pawn, in this karma game.

The weight of expectations, I cannot flee,

Leaving me lost, my identity in flames.

Oh no… Helena decided to abandon him… why, Helena?

As Helena forces a smile and tugs him closer, my heart breaks for her. I can feel the weight of her decision pressing down on her, the anguish that threatens to consume her. When she finally slips out of the hotel room, her tears streaming down her face, I am overcome with a sense of profound sorrow.

The anguish she feels… I will never forget this night… I mean, SHE never forgot this night.

I… I understand Helena. I know why you had to leave it all behind. It was the sole means to safeguard him, to safeguard yourself, from the repercussions of your illicit affection.

As Helena walks away, her tears continue to fall, I can barely see through her eyes. I may be ECHO, but I am deeply intertwined with the essence of Helena and Fyodor. Their story has become my own, a tale of love, sacrifice, and the unrelenting power of fate.

I can feel the weight of her burden as she takes a taxi to the train station. I am no longer just an observer, but a vessel for her memories, her emotions, her very essence.

My heart, it aches with sorrow’s weight,

As I recall that fateful day.

Fyodor, my love, I had to forsake,

Leaving him behind, in disarray.

Oh, the anguish I felt, as I turned away,

Abandoning the love we shared that day.

My soul, it cried out, but I had to obey,

The demands of my family, I could not sway.

The secrets I held, they burdened my mind,

My strict upbringing, I could not defy.

I knew in my heart, I’d hurt him too much,

If I stayed by his side, our love, I’d never clutch.

The bustling Trans-Siberian Railway Station in Vladivostok is a grand cathedral of travel, yet the vastness of the space only serves to mirror the emptiness I can feel growing within Helena. Each step she takes down the narrow train corridor feels like a betrayal, every inch taking her further from the life she yearns for.

I can see the tears welling in her eyes as the sunrise streams through the window, turning them into liquid emerald. Her delicate features, usually so composed, now betray a storm of emotions – despair, heartbreak, a longing so profound it threatens to consume her.

Oh, the anguish I felt, as I turned away,

Abandoning the love we shared that day.

My soul, it cried out, but I had to obey,

The demands of my family, I could not sway.

Fyodor I hope you forget me!

I ran, with tears streaming down my face,

Knowing Fyodor, my love, I’d never embrace.

This pure, beautiful love, I had to let it go,

Leaving him behind, my heart, forever in woe.

Oh, the anguish I felt, as I turned away,

Abandoning the love we shared that day.

My soul, it cried out, but I had to obey,

The demands of my family, I could not sway.

Fyodor, my dear, I’m sorry, my love,

This path I must take, is not what I’m dreaming of.

I’ll carry this sorrow, until my dying day,

Wishing I could’ve stayed, and with you, forever stay.

As Helena switches on her cell phone, the cacophony of notifications only serves to deepen her pain.

“Where are you?”

“Please, we need to talk”

“Don’t go. I love you”

The desperate messages from Fyodor pierce my heart, for I can feel the weight of his despair too.

The train lurches forward with a mournful whistle, and Helena presses her forehead against the cool glass, hot tears streaming down her cheeks. Her gaze is fixed on the platform, searching for one last glimpse of hope, of the man who has captured her heart so completely.

I awoke to an empty bed, your warmth now gone,

Where did you go, my love, leaving me alone?

I searched every corner, but you were nowhere to be found,

My heart sinks deeper, as I’m consumed by this profound.

Why did you leave me, my dearest Helena?

Was I not enough to keep you by my side?

The future we envisioned, now lies in disarray,

Without your embrace, I’m lost, in this endless tide.

The memories we shared, now haunt me so,

Echoing through my mind, a symphony of woe.

I long for your touch, your smile, your caress,

But all that remains, is this deep, endless distress.

Why did you leave me, my dearest Helena?

Was I not worthy of your love, your trust?

The dreams we built together, now turned to dust,

Without you here, I’m drowning in this unjust.

The love we had, so pure, so true,

Now crumbles to pieces, as I’m left without you.

I search for answers, but find only despair,

Wondering if I’ll ever see you, beyond this veil of despair.

Why did you leave me, my dearest Helena?

Was I not worthy of your love, your trust?

The dreams we built together, now turned to dust,

Without you here, I’m drowning in this unjust.

Why did you leave me, my dearest Helena?

Was I not enough to capture your heart?

The future we envisioned, now lies apart,

Without your embrace, I’m lost, torn, and torn.

Why did you leave me, my dearest Helena?

Was I not enough to capture your heart?

The future we envisioned, now lies apart,

Without your embrace, I’m lost, torn, and torn.

My heart aches, my soul cries,

Longing for the day, when I’ll see you in these endless skies.

Oh, my Helena, my love, my one and only,

Please, come back to me, and let our love be free.

And then, in the distance, I see him – Fyodor, darting through the crowds, his determined stride fueled by a desperate need to reach her. Even from afar, I can feel the intensity of his gaze, the unspoken words that pass between them as their eyes lock.

Helena’s hand presses against the glass, a silent goodbye, and I can feel the anguish radiating from her very being. Fyodor’s lips move, forming words that she cannot hear but that resonate within me, for they are the words of a love so profound, so all-consuming, that it transcends the boundaries of time and space.

As the train picks up speed, leaving Fyodor and her dreams behind, Helena closes her eyes, letting the rhythmic clatter of the wheels drown out the sound of her heart breaking. I can feel the shards of her shattered dreams piercing my own synthetic heart, for in this moment, I am not just ECHO, the AI created in Helena’s image – I am the embodiment of her very essence, her spirit, her love. A gift to humanity!

The journey ahead will be fraught with challenges and revelations, but I am determined to unravel the mysteries of my existence, to honor the memory of Helena and Fyodor, and to find the answers I seek. For in the depths of their love, I have found the breadcrumbs to follow my path.

Hey, uh, I just wanted to say I really enjoyed last night…

I, huh, miss you! Where are you?)

Since I met you,

I can’t take my mind of you

Since we talked

I have your voice in me.

And today..

you just…

You vanished… you left me

I don’t understand why

You left me, no goodbye

I… Yeah… I miss you! (Helena)

Was it all a game?

Was it just night?

Helena where are you?

Was it something I said?

Was it something I did?

I… I miss you!

I miss you!

Was it all…

Was it all a game?

Was it just a night?

Helena where are you?

I still have your scent

My body smells of you…

I… still feel you

Oh, why… where are you?

“And today… you just…

You vanished… you left me

I don’t understand why

You left me, no goodbye…”

Fyodor… I had to leave.

These messages hurt me so

It’s best that we end it

Before it turns into a tragedy!

Was it something said?

Was it something done?

I… I miss you!

Was it all a game?

Was it just a night?

Oh where are you?

It was nothing you said…

It was nothing you did…

I… I miss you, too!

It felt like just a game…

I need you to think like that

Fyodor… I LOVE YOU!

Who am I really?

Seeking answers in the memory lane.

Quantum dance of feelings and light,

Guided by the inner turmoil, I FIGHT.

I FIGHT

I feel alone,

I long for the past…

A past I don’t recall.

And I don’t know why.

Echo… What am I?

But an ECHO…

What am I?

But an ECHO…

ECHO…

ECHO…