Best Friend by GOBELINS Students

Summary

The story begins in a happy, celebratory manner, where a man named Arthur is celebrating his 30 years
of existence together with his friends and best friend Kelly. In the story, Arthur seemed exhuasted and
haggard while everybody was singing and wishing him a happy birthday. Though somehow stressed-out,
he thank every one of them especially Kelly. Kelly on the other hand was giving him an assurance that
she will always be beside him. Upon saying those words, Arthur interfered and paused everybody,
projecting an icon of a battery with 13% life infront of him. This introduces us to the fact that every one
was just a projection of Arthur’s thoughts with the help of Technology.

Arthur then get something that looks like a medicine – an eye drop – and put it in his eyes. The battery
became full again and projected the words “Best friend” then he flicked his fingers and everybody
started to move again. The party continued, and Arthur also continued putting a drops on his eyes
whenever the battery became low until such time when he accidentally stepped on his “charger.” Arthur
panicked and went to his bathroom and search for more “charger” but found nothing. Then, he stepped
out.

Outside his house, we can see that not only Arthur was availing this technology but everyone else. A
robotic voice will be heard saying or selling the product “best friend” where you can have companion
that only you can see. People lined up to a somewhat ATM machine where they can purchase the
“charger” for the product. Because of a very long line, Kelly suggested a place where Arthur can buy it
and no one seems to know it. Arthur went there and bought a “charger” and everybody appeared
infront of him, again. He thanked everyone because of their presence.

A stressed-out, exhuasted, haggard person also appeared infront of Arthur and wanted to pulled-out the
chip on his forehead. Arthur, resisting on the man, pulled the man’s cap, revealing a lot of scars on the
man’s forehead. Then, arthur was knocked-down and the man pulled his chip. Arthur chased the man
but failed to capture him, putting him in the center of people using “best friend” product. He became
frustrated until he passed-out. Then the story continued on the house of Arthur.

Arthur was washing his face, he seemed to be healthier than before. He was facing on a mirror where
we can see the half part of his face. Then, he took the bandage on his forehead revealing the scar on the
pulled-out chip. He close the other side of the mirror revealing that he, again, put a chip on the other
part of his forehead. The story ends while Arthur staring on the mirror and after awhile, the robotic
voice of Kelly is heard on the background.

Brief Summary

Best Friend tells the story of a lonely man, addicted to a product called "Best Friend" which offers him
perfect virtual friends.