Molly and JDH

The laboratory smelled of machine oil.

Under the bright laboratory lights, JDH stood over his worktable, completely absorbed in his latest creation — an automaton. His white gloves were stained with oil, but he paid no mind to the mess. With meticulous precision, John worked, consumed by his obsession: to build as many robots as possible. He spared no effort in this pursuit, even if it meant crossing ethical boundaries from time to time.

The creak of the door broke his concentration. On the threshold stood Molly — his assistant, whose devotion to him had long since twisted into something unhealthy. She gazed at him with adoration, but John dismissed her without a second thought. To him, she was little more than a tool, if not an outright nuisance. He mocked her affections, toyed with her loyalty — simply because he could.

And though Molly feared the consequences of his work, she never dared to oppose him.