That’s the other huge piece of news.
Joaquin Rosa held a press conference where he shared Death-Cast’s opening numbers. They had a perfect score on predictions but failed in outreach to twelve Deckers—including Frankie. He said he will be haunted by those losses for the rest of his life and has done everything in his power to ensure that will never happen again. It looks like people are buying into it, especially since there have been no more fuckups while I’ve been recovering from surgery. The Death-Cast program is going to grow and grow, maybe even go global. This service might still scare some people, but I bet I could change anyone’s mind about the possibilities of knowing your fate by sharing Valentino’s story.
The End Days have some horrors, but if you commit to living, they can be beautiful too.
Dalma Young
4:44 p.m.
Death-Cast did not call Dalma Young because she isn’t dying today, but her game-changing idea has finally been born.
“I finally know what app I want to create,” Dalma says, alone with Orion in his hospital room.
“Oh yeah?” Orion asks quietly.
He sounds disinterested, but Dalma knows he’s simply not here mentally. This grief is different from a child losing his parents. Back then Orion was screaming all the time and was confused every time he woke up. Dalma could relate, but she doesn’t know what it’s like to lose a friend. Or a lover. But she now sees the power of finding people before it’s too late.
“You and Valentino changed each other, even though you shared only one day together. You gave him peace before his death, and he’ll stay with you for the rest of your life,” Dalma says, thinking more of Valentino’s imprint on Orion’s soul instead of the new heart in his chest, but that too. “I think I can build an app that makes sure no one dies alone.”
“How would it work?”
“Everyone would create a profile on the app so you can find your best match, but I don’t think it should be random selection. This is personal, and the Decker should choose who they invite into their life, especially with time so limited. I can even create the option for Deckers to pair up. Then whoever gets the honor of being chosen to keep the Decker company, they’ll help them however they can. It might just be basic companionship as they get their affairs in order. It could be hyping up the Decker to live a lifetime on their End Day.”
There’s a flicker of life in Orion’s eyes, almost like an entire film reel of his time with Valentino is unfolding in his head. “That’s going to change a lot of people’s lives, Dalma.”
“I hope so.”
Dalma isn’t sure if Orion will ever use the app. It’s hard to imagine at this stage. He’s strong, but can his new heart handle more heartbreak?
Time will answer that when it’s time.
“You know what you’re going to call it?” Orion asks.
The name came to Dalma like lightning. “The Last Friend app.”
Orion
4:54 p.m.
I was Valentino’s Last Friend.
Dalma’s app is going to form some incredible connections, but it’s a double-edged sword that can’t be wielded by the faint of heart. The Last Friend must understand that not only will the Decker die, they may also witness the death. That’s scarring. But not all scars are bad. I look down at the one across my chest.
The scar that says I was more than Valentino’s Last Friend.
5:17 p.m.
“When did he die? What time?”
Just as I want to know everything about Valentino’s life, the same goes for his death.
Dr. Emeterio stops studying my charts and pulls out her clipboard. “Valentino passed at 9:11 p.m.”