Chapter 11
Five years agoThe illusion was nearly perfect.
The cobblestone street was lined with bright, lively restaurants, shops, and services like post offices, salons, and banks. A cinema at the end of the row, proclaiming itself home of the classics, advertised movies and TV shows from before Maria was born. All were available with either subtitles in multiple languages or support for advanced hearing aids.
Young, energetic, and unusually attentive men and women staffed those businesses. Pensioners and retirees from all over the world strolled up and down the immaculate sidewalks, smiling and greeting Maria where she waited on a comfortable park bench.
She had to admit the facade was every bit as good as anything Disney ever created in Southern California, Florida, or anywhere else
