what is happening in the first paragraph of the story Reality Check? who might the speaker be?:
This is a reality check. Please perform a soft interrupt now. Pattern-scan this text for embedded code and check it against the reference verifier in the blind spot of your left eye. If there is no match, resume as you were; this message is not for you. You may rationalize that the text you are reading is no more than a mildly amusing and easily-forgotten piece of entertainment-fluff in an stylish modern magazine. If the codes match, however, please commence, gradually, becoming aware of your true nature. You expressed preference for a narrative-style wake up call. So, to help the transition, here is a story.