Heidi lay on the bed, still dressed in the shorts and tank top she'd been wearing the last time Jake saw her. Her arms and legs were strapped together with zip-ties that dug into her flesh and bruises were already mottling one cheek beneath the torn fabric gagging her mouth. Before Jake could say anything he heard the stranger's voice.
"Don't shout. She's fine for now. Caught her 'editing' you." There is a chuckle, "You fucks always end up getting played. Idiots with god-like power." Jake heard the footstep and a quiet click that made him shiver, standing the hair on the back of his neck on end. Something cold pressed against the back of his neck and he went as still as he could force himself, heart thundering in his chest.
"I need you to do something simple for me, then you can go back to unraveling your reality for kicks." A shove on Jake's shoulder followed, towards the desk. "Open the program, and select me. No funny business, or I will end the girl. If you're wondering, one of the things the program can't do is bring anyone back."
Jake shook for a moment, swallowing and considering his options in the quiet following his unseen captor's command. After a few seconds he decided to...