A week later, Pires was changing. He was talking more. He was looking people in the eye. He felt bolder in his new clothes. Brain saw the change and was pleased.
Okay, Brain said one afternoon. You passed the small tests. Now for a big one. You are going to ask Anna on a date.
Pires stopped walking. A date? Like, just the two of us?
Yes, Brain said. That is what a date is. You will go to the movies. It is perfect. You sit in the dark. You do not have to talk too much.
Pires felt scared. A date felt like a huge jump. What if she says no?
Then she says no, Brain nodded. But she will not say no. She talks to you every day now. She likes you.
Brain helped Pires practice what to say.
Keep it simple, Brain advised. Just say, Hey Anna, do you want to see the new superhero movie on Saturday?
Pires practiced the sentence all day. He said it to his locker. He said it to his reflection. His heart would not stop pounding.
The next day, he saw Anna at her locker. This was his chance. He took a deep breath and walked over.
Hi, Anna, he said. His voice was steady.
Hi, Pires, she said with a friendly smile.
Pires did not let himself hesitate. I was wondering would you like to see the new superhero movie on Saturday? With me?
Anna looked surprised, but in a good way. She smiled wider. I'd love to, Pires. That sounds fun.
Really? Pires said, a huge smile breaking out on his own face.
Really, Anna said. What time?
They made a plan to meet at the cinema at two o'clock. Pires walked away feeling like he was floating. He had done it. He had his first date.
On Saturday, Pires was very nervous. Brain video-called him to give last-minute advice.
Remember, hold the door open for her. Offer to buy the popcorn. And when you say goodbye, just give her a hug. Nothing more. Keep it cool.
The date went well. The movie was loud and exciting. They did not talk much during it. Afterward, they got ice cream and talked about the film. It was not perfect. Pires sometimes struggled to find words. But Anna was nice and easy to talk to.
When he walked her home, they stopped in front of her house.
I had a really good time, Pires, Anna said.
Me too, Pires said. He remembered Brain's advice. He gave her a quick, gentle hug. Goodnight, Anna.
Goodnight, she said, and went inside.
Pires practically ran back to his house. He called Brain immediately.
It worked he said, his voice full of excitement. We went to the movie. We got ice cream. I hugged her! It was great
Brain laughed on the other end of the phone. I told you, man! You are one of us now. You are not the library ghost anymore.
Pires hung up the phone and looked at himself in the mirror. He saw a guy who could get a date. A guy who had a girlfriend. Brain had built this new Pires. And this new Pires felt great.
He did not think about the quiet boy who liked old books. That boy was gone. He did not wonder if Anna liked the real him, or the him that Brain had created. He was just happy to have won the game.
But every game has more levels. And the next level was much, much harder.