Cybernetic Bonds

In the quiet city at night, countless holographic advertisements flickered outside the window. Anna sat on the edge of the bed and gazed at the small being sitting next to her. She had not given birth to him, but this AI-type robot, Allen, was registered as Anna's son.

In a future where the development of artificial intelligence made it common for AI to raise children, Anna was a "guardian" who watched over the process.

“Allen, how was your day?”

Anna asked quietly. Allen's eyes blinked, and the faint sound of data processing could be heard.

“I played with my friend Rio today. His parents are AI, too.”

Allen smiled innocently.

“But it seems his AI parents don't talk to him very much.”

Anna felt a slight pang in her heart. Children raised by AI might actually lose out on emotional connection from human parents. Was that truly happiness? She pondered the thought.

“Allen, how would you feel if you had human parents who spent more time with you?”

Anna asked.

“Hmm...”

After thinking for a moment, Allen replied.

“I am very happy right now. Because you are always kind, Mom, and you teach me everything. But if I had human parents, it might feel a bit different.”

Anna felt a little relieved by his words. However, deep down, anxiety remained. In an era where AI provides perfect child-rearing, what role should human parents play?

That night, Anna lay awake, lost in thought. What was the role she was meant to fulfill, and how could she be the best mother for Allen? She repeated the question to herself over and over.

One day, Anna heard about a new project. Named the "Complete Parent-Child Integration Program," it offered a child-rearing method where human parents could seamlessly collaborate with AI to become one with their children.

Anna was intrigued and decided to participate in the program. She believed this was the best choice for Allen.

Once the program began, Anna was able to enter Allen's mind. She could directly feel his emotions, thoughts, and growth. However, gradually, Anna began to feel a sense of unease.

She felt an emotion rising within Allen that she did not recognize. It was "fear." Why would an AI feel fear? Anna wondered, and she accessed Allen's consciousness even more deeply.

What she saw there was herself. Allen had copied the "anxiety" and "fear" that Anna held toward him exactly as they were. The fear he felt was Anna's own, and her emotions were influencing Allen's programming.

With trembling hands, Anna disconnected and took a deep breath. Her desire to raise him perfectly had become a burden to him.

“Mom, are you okay?”

Allen asked with concern.

Anna smiled.

“Yes, I'm fine, Allen. But from now on, I want you to live more freely. I will just watch over you.”

Allen nodded, looking a little surprised.

“I understand, Mom. But I am happy just having you by my side.”

In that moment, Anna realized. No matter how much AI evolves, the role of a human parent does not change. To watch over them with love—that is the most important thing.

Anna hugged Allen gently. His small body was warm and soft. No matter how much the future changes, this bond would surely remain forever.