Devious Machines

Ginger conjured a river. A cool, dark river. The bottoms of her feet tingled, slipping over smooth rock in the virtual riverbed. She lowered her body into the wetness. Frightened river fish darted between her legs. The chaotic chirping of birds resonated through the boughs of the trees blanketing her insular sanctum. She closed her eyes and listened, carefully, until she heard the furtive fluttering of fragile wings. 

Everything echoed, even her breath.

The air became heavier and heavier. Anxiety ...