It was the year 2050. The world has changed. AI ruled the world. There were cars that could fly, floating houses, and shopping carts that engaged you in conversations and helped you make decisions while you shop.
In a tiny corner of the world was Elias. A sweet soul fighting the demons of his past. He made his way to the supermarket.
The supermarket was too quiet for a Saturday evening. Just a handful of people and loudspeakers advertising discounts and staff that looked so stressed.
The glass door slid open and welcomed him with a soft voice
“Welcome, Elias. You’ve been assigned Cart No. 27.”
He raised an eyebrow. "Assigned? That's new." He muttered.
Suddenly the cart rolled forward towards him. A robot-like cart with a glowing underneath. He held onto it and pushed through the supermarket.
"So what are you here for, sir?" The cart asked.
"Just noodles," Elias replied.
"I know the exact thing you need sir."
"Show me," Elias replied, pushing it along.
The aisles were wider; the shelves were as if they had reached the sky. But instead of the usual departments of
Fresh produce, Wines, Noodles etc.
Unfamiliar signs were hanging in each aisle.
Regret, Firsts, Missed Calls, Left Unsaid, Old Wounds.
The carts beeped once and turned to the section that said Old Wounds.
Elias tugged at it. “Where are you going?.” He asked
But instead of a reply, the cart pulled harder. The wheels whirred with urgency.
Elias let go. “Alright, fine. I'll just find a new cart." He said. And turned to go pick up a new cart.
The cart beeped loudly, like a baby who was denied the mother's breast. Elias turned to see other shoppers looking at him with annoyance in their eyes. To avoid embarrassment, he held onto the cart again, and immediately, the cart stopped beeping.
"I'm sorry y'all." He apologized. "My cart’s misbehaving."
"Alright. I don't know what you're up to but it better be worth it."
The cart dragged him to the first shelf holding an old tin robot toy. The kind Elias had as a kid. A tag hung from its wrist: Abandoned at age 10.
He swallowed. It felt like the toy was reminding him of his past.
He pushed past the you section quickly to the next section that held a cassette tape labeled 'Dad’s Apology'— Never Played. He stared at it for a second. A strange thought built within him
“This isn’t real,” he whispered. Shutting his eyes and slapping his cheeks. But he wasn't dreaming. It was real. Too real.
To the cart, he asked. "What are you doing?"
The cart beeped again and glided forward, leading him to the next aisle. 'First Love' it read. Then suddenly, he felt like he was in a trance. The lights became softer, almost warm. He heard a familiar laughter. One he had cherished so much a long time ago. Like a movie playing before him, he saw his father, with his big eyes and crooked smile.
Sweating already, he stepped back. His breath hitched.
“Why are you showing me this?” he asked the cart.
But without a reply, the cart beeped once more and moved on.
It led him to the final aisle that read 'Exit'.
On its shelf was a small white box labeled 'Dad'.
The cart’s screen lit up for the first time.
Item: Forgiveness
Cost: One spoken apology
He stared at the box. “He left me for years. I waited for him to be back but he never did. And you want me to forgive him?”
But instead of a reply. The cart beeped and stood still.
Elias clenched his fists in anger. Do you even know what it’s like? I'm sure you don't because you don't have feelings."
And like a dumb man whose tongue was cut loose, the cart spoke. "I might not know what it feels like. But I can read the pain and burden inside you. Stored up for years and pulling you back. You've got to let go."
Immediately, the cart beeped softly this time, and like he was revived. Elias found himself at the entrance of the store again. Regular lights, regular aisles. Shoppers pushed their carts like nothing had happened.
He stood there for a moment trying to understand what just happened. Then he blinked, shrugged his shoulders, and wheeled the cart to the noodles section. Elias picked up his packs of noodles and made them for the cashier's stand. All this while he thought of what the cart had said to him. Truly, he was burdened inside.
He paid for his purchase and left the supermarket with one thing in mind. To make peace with his father.
Stepping out of the supermarket, he pulled out his phone and texted his father.
"I'm ready to talk."
This is a beautifully written and deeply symbolic story that blends futuristic AI with emotional healing. A poignant reminder that sometimes, the journey to healing starts with a single, brave step.
That's a wonderful world! A cart talking and directing someone? I believe Elias was in a trance but, it was helpful. Thanks for such a wonderful story.
I just stopped imagining how everything with be modernized to AI and even help with past wounds and pain. It was a great encounter of recovery and restoration.