Short Story: The Future of Automation #KazemakaseLiteratureClub
I have taken on the challenge of writing based on the following article by i-sama.
"Good morning, I slept so well today!"
Glancing briefly at me as I stood quietly, Saori jumped out of bed with vigor and began her morning preparations in a rush.
"Oh no! I forgot to wash my blouse! ...Well, I guess I'll wear a cut-and-sew top today. I just bought this one, though. Oh, my stockings are torn..."
Watching her be as clumsy as ever, the corners of my mouth lift just a little.
Once she had calmed down a bit, Saori sat in front of me as she always does.
"Thank you! Well then, time to eat."
Saori only drinks soup.
After peering at the surface of the bowl and making a gesture as if to confirm its warmth, she looked up and smiled at me.
Then, she picked up her spoon and carried it to her mouth, one spoonful at a time, carefully and at a steady pace.
I stare without moving at her white, translucent throat. Wishing I could know the warmth of the soup flowing down that throat, wishing I could know that sensation.
"Thanks for the meal! Yikes, is it already this time!? I'll be back by 5 PM today, so take care of things! Well then, I'm off!"
Standing up from her chair and throwing on the coat hanging near the door, she opened the front door with the same momentum, and then Saori froze. Suddenly, in an unnatural way.
The room fell silent, as if the time until just a moment ago had been a lie. I feel as though her scent is still lingering, just a little.
"…Yeah. There's still some room for improvement, but it's mostly complete."
I stood up smoothly and went to Saori's side.
"That's right, I'll try incorporating a program where she spills the soup and apologizes to me. The automation program for after she gets home can come after that."
I picked up the now-motionless Saori, laid her gently on the bed, and kissed her lips, which should have been devoid of warmth.
"Soon, I'll be able to give you 'life'."
As I said that, I suddenly wondered.
I feel like I've heard this line somewhere before.
End
Thank you for reading!
#KazemakaseLiteratureClub