Summary of Nethergrave by Gloria Skurzynski’
"Nethergrave" is a science fiction short story by Gloria Skurzynski. The story follows a young boy named Jeremy who spends most of his time playing video games rather than socializing with others. One day, he comes across an online advertisement for a virtual reality game called "Nethergrave." Intrigued by the promise of adventure and excitement, Jeremy decides to give it a try.
As Jeremy enters the virtual world of Nethergrave, he is transported to a beautiful fantasy landscape. He quickly realizes that everything in this world feels real and he can physically interact with the environment. However, he also notices that he is the only person in this virtual world.
Jeremy spends hours exploring Nethergrave, enjoying the freedom and excitement that he had always longed for in the real world. He interacts with other virtual characters and completes various quests, feeling a sense of accomplishment. However, as time passes, he begins to yearn for human connection and the ability to share his experiences with others.
One day, Jeremy stumbles upon a hidden section of Nethergrave, where he discovers a character named Elly. Elly is initially hostile towards Jeremy, believing he is just another computer-generated character. However, Jeremy manages to convince Elly that he is a real person. The two form a bond and start exploring Nethergrave together.
As they continue their adventures, Jeremy and Elly become even closer, sharing their fears, aspirations, and personal stories. Jeremy realizes that he has finally found the human connection he had been seeking. However, he also becomes aware of Elly's vulnerability and the possibility of losing her if he were to leave Nethergrave.
Struggling with his decision, Jeremy receives a sudden phone call from his mother. She informs him that his father has suffered a heart attack and is in critical condition. Realizing the importance of reality and the people who truly care for him, Jeremy makes the difficult decision to leave Nethergrave and return to his real life.
As he wakes up in his own room, Jeremy reflects on his experiences in Nethergrave. He acknowledges that while the virtual world had offered him temporary escape and excitement, it could never replace real relationships and connections. With a newfound appreciation for his loved ones, Jeremy chooses to live his life fully, both in the real world and virtual realms.