I'm not going to be able to make it.

Emily woke up to a voice that seemed to come from far away. “You’re slowly returning to the present. If I count down from three to one, open your eyes. Three, two, one.” Gradually, she came back to reality. Back in the real world, what a shame. Dr. Ruhe asked, “How are you feeling?” Her gaze alone was mesmerizing. The scene took place at Momo Fotostudio in Rapperswil. The setting was both intimate and surreal, blending technology with human connection in ways once thought impossible. This was the backdrop of Love-Glove-Killer, a story published in the c’t series by Claudia Farnung, a Swiss IT consultant based in Rapperswil. She has been working independently in the field for nearly thirty years since completing her studies in mathematics with a focus on computer science at TU Darmstadt in the 1980s. Farnung recently discovered the art of literary storytelling, and she is currently working on her debut novel. Love-Glove-Killer marks her first contribution to the c’t Stories collection. The piece offers a glimpse into a future where virtual reality and tactile communication have become integral to personal relationships, blurring the lines between digital and physical intimacy. The narrative explores how emerging technologies can reshape romantic interactions. It imagines a world where 3D rendezvous and the exchange of tactile impulses through VR equipment are no longer futuristic concepts but everyday experiences. The story’s protagonist, Emily, finds herself caught in a web of emotional and technological complexity, navigating a relationship that transcends traditional boundaries. In this imagined future, dating platforms have evolved beyond mere photo exchanges and chat messages. They now offer immersive environments where users can interact in near-real-time, experiencing each other's presence through advanced sensory feedback systems. These innovations promise deeper emotional connections, yet they also raise ethical questions about privacy, consent, and the authenticity of human interaction. The story’s tone is both reflective and cautionary. It suggests that while technology can enhance intimacy, it also carries the risk of alienation. The line between genuine connection and simulated experience becomes increasingly blurred, leaving individuals to grapple with their own sense of identity and desire. Farnung’s work reflects broader societal trends toward greater integration of technology into daily life. As online dating continues to evolve, so too does the potential for new forms of social engagement. Yet, the story serves as a reminder that even in a world driven by innovation, the fundamental need for authentic human connection remains unchanged. The narrative ends with Emily still processing her return to reality, questioning whether the experience she had truly happened or was merely a product of her imagination. This ambiguity underscores the central theme of the story: the challenge of distinguishing between the real and the artificial in an age where the two are increasingly difficult to separate. As the story unfolds, it invites readers to consider the implications of such advancements, not just for individuals, but for society as a whole. What does it mean to love in a world where touch, sight, and sound can be digitally replicated? And how do we ensure that these technologies serve to enrich rather than diminish our capacity for meaningful connection?