It was all just a little too perfect. Give them their due—no effort had been spared in attention to detail. Gnarly cobbles underfoot, the yeasty smell wafting from the bakery, the jolly notes of the accordion player, and the swirling gaiety of the people hand-in-hand. Perfect.
“We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto,” I called, and all motion stopped.
A voice in my ear, almost contrite, from someone I couldn’t see. “What gave it away?”
“Reality is dirtier.”
Of course, he’d do better next time, but I was on my guard now. He’d never learn the secret.
.
Friday fictioneers is a weekly challenge set by Rochelle Wisoff Fields to write a 100-word story in response to a photo prompt. You can find other stories here
Neil MacDonald Author 
I expect every detail in a film set is put in place for a purpose. Whereas, I wonder is there any purpose to reality?
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Thanks so much, James. There is a speculation that we could tell whether or not we were really in a simulation by looking for pixelation
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Dear Neil,
Reality is definitely dirtier. 😉 Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Thanks so much, Rochelle
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Seems to be the thoughts of a very troubled man, and the apparent unreality is a symptom of his unease.
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What an interesting reading, Jilly
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The MC stands between life as we know it and AI taking over. I hope he’s right.
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I’m certain he’s right
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Lovely,. No parking meters. Heck I do need an Ai to write comments for me
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Thanks so much, Michael
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I hope AI never learns the secret. That will be the end for us.
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What makes you think it’s not already happened?
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Are you saying I could have a virtual house that I wouldn’t have to clean? I could live with that! Intriguing story, Neil.
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Umm, maybe not. Though the dust would be virtual
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Dirt is good! An AI universe would be easily identified by the folk with muddy trousers.
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Dirt, after all, is just a matter of convention
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Ooooo creepy, and it’s getting better. Who will be able to tell reality from computer creation in years to come…
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Sorry, a bit Matrix, I know
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reality does stink sometimes indeed.
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At the very least, it’s gritier
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I like this a lot. It reminds me of AI generated images where it looks good at first but then you notice little details that aren’t quite right.
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Thanks so much, David
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“Reality is dirtier.” — cold truth!
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Thanks, Tanille
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“Reality is dirtier” What a great line!
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Thanks so Much
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Reality is dirtier for sure. Well done.
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Thanks so much
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Good one Neil – reality is indeed dirtier 😄
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Thanks so much
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Reality bites.
Very interesting take, Neil.
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Thanks so much
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Similar opening to mine! But we then deviate. I love the movies.
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Yes. Thanks, Patrick
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If it’s true that dirt is all we need to know reality, I’m sure I’m in reality. I’ve put in far too much time and energy to bury the dirt in my yard and keep it out of the house.
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Well, you have to ask yourself what dirt really is. It’s just matter out of place in some schema
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But is it a good place, or a bad place disguised as the good place? Either way, the secret seems safe with him.
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Thanks so much
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A fascinating response to the photo. I love it. Let’s hope we can always remain a half step ahead of them.
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Thanks so much, Margaret
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Reality is indeed dirtier.
“Truth is stranger than fiction”
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Thanks, Anita
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