13 Ways: Someone Like You

The hardest part for you, Helen, will be deciding – eventually – what to do with all those extra family members. This is indeed your lot, since they will be part of your inheritance, along with our seventy percent share in the Company. We simply cannot find it in ourselves to destroy them, although they are not needed – at least not now, and maybe not ever.

And while I hate to add even one more thing to this already overwhelming message, my dear, I must warn you that there may be another surprise awaiting you.

Your Grandfather refuses to be drawn out on this, but I think it’s possible that after his conversion to Harold Two, and his supposed retirement from work, he continued to direct the team regarding our family replicas – and I do not mean only in regard to general maintenance and software upgrades. Knowing him as I do, I suspect that Harold continued creating his backup family beyond the three of us – though I am sure he would not have replicated your Father, since he never liked or approved of the original.

That leaves only one other person. Helen, I fear you may find another you – a dozen or so, in fact – amongst our little family group. If that is the case … well then, you will have even more difficult decisions to make. I hope the thought does not distress you too much, as your Grandfather would not want that. He would have created you with the best of intentions.

We are planning to have Janie to dinner in a couple of weeks, when we will explain that we are going travelling for a while – though it is not like us to do that, she will accept it, I am sure.

Unfortunately, we will then have to “die” rather suddenly – which is not difficult to do when one is very aged, and travelling in countries known for exotic diseases. Even plain old malaria will do the trick nicely.

The Company will preserve our bodies at the point of extinction, here in Melbourne, and then fly them overseas when the time is right. They will take charge of bringing you and your Mum to Brazil for the viewing of the bodies, and they will manage the cremation process there, too.

But, Helen, while all that is happening, you will know the truth, which is that your Grandpapa and me are somewhere nearby, having the time of our lives together.

We will arrange a way to communicate with you via the Company, once all the hoopla dies down.

I am sorry to have to put Janie through losing us, but after all, everyone’s parents die eventually. It has to happen.

We are taking Jocelyn (she is due for an upgrade, too), and Harold’s Mercedes. But we are leaving my 1965 red Mustang convertible for you, because we know how much you love it.

If the engine dies, don’t worry. Barlow Two can get you a replacement any time.

Good luck with everything, my girl.

Remember that we love you, always.

Goodbye for now.

Grandmother Grace is signing off …

This is EveR-2.