The News Reports


“Kevin, don’t do that,” Sheryl nagged. That was the third time she insisted, but he couldn’t keep his curiosity in check, so he knelt on the couch, staring out the living room window.

“I’m sorry, it’s just that everything’s been freaky lately. The news keeps reporting about human and robot violence, and they keep telling people to stay safe at home.” Kevin turned to Sheryl, who was watching those news reports.

“That’s why I keep telling you not to look out the window. You’re going to bring us attention. It’s better if we just watch a movie and relax. This will die down soon. It always does.”

Kevin bit his lower lip. “How can you be sure they won’t come? It’s not like we’re a secret. You know people frown upon robots dating humans. Even our families don’t really approve of us.”

Sheryl rolled her eyes and dragged him into a hug. “I don’t care what our families think. I just care that I can hug you.” She pressed her face onto his chest. He couldn’t help but smile.

She had to be the most beautiful person he had ever met. She was kind, thoughtful, and most importantly, she loved him just as much as he loved her. He embraced her back.

“Okay, I’ll stop. But we really need to be careful,” he said, his attention still towards the window. “I’ve been hearing scary sounds out there. Even at work they’re setting up rules about people going leaving in pairs. Even men. It’s crazy.”

“I’m sure this is mostly just people reacting because of the new government. But you know how it is. Presidents go in and out. They’re just a face. They really don’t do much. We all know companies don’t care if you’re a robot or a human as long as you make money. Hell, I think they gave robots independence just because they wanted robots to make money.” She rolled her eyes and sighed. “In a way it’s like robots went from one type of slavery to the other.

Kevin chuckled. “I guess yeah. It kinda does feel like that. But hey, it’s freedom. It’s better than being forced to clean the floors just for the luxury of charging your battery. Unless…” Kevin gave Sheryl the eyes that meant he was in the mood. “You’d prefer to be my little slave.”

Sheryl grinned. “Nah, I think we all know that you are the slave.” She pushed him down onto the couch so that she lay on top of him. But she looked up. “You know, the other day my mom asked me how we did it. God, she’s so dumb.”

She always got distracted so easily, but it didn’t bother him. If anything, Kevin always felt her aloofness made her special. “My parents have asked as much too. I usually tell them that you wear a tool something when you do me. They already have a hard time accepting you and me, so that just freaks them out even more.”

“Maybe I should do that. I’ve heard people always ask for that type of thing by joking about it.” She brushed her hand down his cheek. “Tell me what you want, and I’ll do it.”

Kevin laughed. “Now who’s the slave?”