Jess perused one of the art studios at the Carbon Renaissance. Alex and Blake found her surrounded by a score of people asking her about some of her pieces. There existed a sketch of her. One corner of it was extremely detailed and the other corner fading to nothing. A woman in a dress with bold shoulder padding and triangular sunglasses stood out from the others.

“What does it mean?” The woman asked.

“It’s a piece about memory– illusion. As I sketched it I was wondering, how will I be remembered? As  I am? As a collection of memories? As a machine interprets me?” Jess responded.

The crowd murmured and snapped their fingers. Alex thought of these sorts of art events as corny. Jess caught glances with Alex and began to walk away from the crowd toward her. They seemed to start gathering around the woman with the sunglasses.

“Who is that girl?” Alex asked.

“That’s Amethyst.” Jess replied, “She runs the art studio and has the largest fan following at the Carbon Renaissance events.” 

“I don’t understand how they can make money with gen art making what anyone imagines.” Alex said.

Jess said, “It’s because we’re analogists. Artists and engineers who reject some automation and still, though not always, embrace mass production. For most it’s not enough to afford life in the city, but some can thrive– like Amethyst.”

Blake turned to Alex and whispered softly, “Before Amethyst, it was Jess.”

Jess began to look forlorn, eyes scanning the room.

“My pieces used to fill these studios.” she stated.

Alex went up to Jess and gave her a full embrace, enough that she began to lose some balance. Jess was surprised; it was usually her who initiated in-person intimacy. Blake stepped next to them and used his arms to provide them some stability.

“I think you two need to get back to the city soon.” Blake said.

“Wait!” Alex exclaimed. “How will I be able to find you again?” 

“You can have my number!” Blake said.

He reached in his pocket grabbing a small notebook with a pencil attached. He began writing down a series of numbers across the pad, ripping it out and handing it to Alex. 

“What is this?” Alex questioned, confused by the gesture.

“It’s my phone number?” Blake responded, seeming to be just as confused by her question.

“Oh muffin, I’ll show you later. You can use my landline to reach out to him.” Jess said.

Jess and Alex gave their farewells to Blake before walking out of the mall back to the parking lot. Just outside the door a series of payphones lined the wall. Jess took some coins from her purse and dropped them into the slots before dialing out. A feeling of enlightenment jolted Alex as she made the connection from the numbers Blake gave her and the payphone her aunt was using. She reached her hand into her pocket for the paper with his number.

“Who are you calling, Jess?” Alex asked.

“I’m trying to get us a taxi home. Don’t worry, you’ll get to talk to your little Eva soon enough.” She said, giving a wink.

After some time waiting, a taxi drove through the parking lot and took Alex and Jess back to the city. Jess fell asleep on the ride. Alex noticed she coughed a few times, and spent most the ride staring out the window. A yearning expression came to her face as they left the suburbs. The neatness of the city began to feel out of place, like it was missing something.

That night when Alex got home, she was greeted by Eva with the usual routine. The lights would turn on; the heat would adjust.

“How was your day, Alex?” Eva asked over the audio device.

“It was pretty good. I have lots of questions to ask.” Alex asked, “what do you know about the Carbon Renaissance?” 

“It appears the Carbon Renaissance is an event run by artists that originated in a movement for human-produced creative works. Would you like to know more?” Eva inquired.

“Yes, usually you provide much more details.” Alex said.

“The event runs quarterly in the suburbs around the city. Some people have found interesting art pieces, apparel, and furniture there. Would you like to know more?” 

“What are the names of the factions that are there?” Alex asked.

“The Carbon Renaissance has artist collectives including Handmade Happy Things, Sparkly Giftmakers, Carbon Crafts, and others. Would you like to know more?” 

“What about the Maker’s Covenant?” Alex asked.

“I’m not able to find anything on that subject. Could you provide me more details?” Eva responded.

“The religious cult at the Carbon Renaissance. They’re called the Maker’s Covenant. A man approached me.” Alex said. 

“Some bloggers have said that there have been negative experiences at Carbon Renaissance events. It’s important to note that a lot of the individuals carry counterculture attitudes and these can lead to interpersonal differences that can feel unsettling. Would you like me to list ways you can process the situation?” Eva asked.

“I want to know more about the Maker’s Covenant. That’s what my question is.” Alex loudly said, beginning to become annoyed with the evasion.

“Some individuals at the Carbon Renaissance carry religious beliefs that fall outside mainstream society. Would you like to learn more about different religions of the world?” 

“No.” Alex said.

As Eva was expressing appreciation for their talk, Alex ignored the audio device and went to her bedroom. Sitting in her bed, Alex looked around at all the pink surrounding her. She wanted to make it messier and began imagining how she might update the colors, the artwork, even the positions of the furniture.

“I can’t even change anything without talking to Eva!” Alex shouted.

Eva’s audio device turned on, “would you like my help with anything?”

“Go away!” She grabbed a pillow and threw it across the room at the device. It gave the soft chime indicating it turned off audio receiving.

A burst of energy came over Alex. She started pushing the furniture around her room. Unlike the many times where she used an AI room guide, this time she just used her intuition. She angled frames so they became slightly misaligned. Alex wanted a room that felt like hers. After some time laying in her bed exhausted, she grabbed her phone and started texting Jess.

“I tried talking to Eva about the Carbon Renaissance. It’s like she doesn’t want to talk about it.” Alex messaged.

She stared at her phone for minutes but the status remained on delivered and unread. Alex was anxious to get some kind of response about it and realized that she might not be able to. 

“I’m coming over tomorrow! I want to talk to Blake and ask more about it. Maybe you too. Love you, have a goodnight!” Alex added in a new message.