Lynch / John

There were times when robots were like phones for people—everyone had one. Robots were good helpers, cleaning, cooking, doing whatever you asked. People actually saw them as helpers, but there were also some who despaired and began befriending robots; in some cases, they even loved them. Of course, robots were built to befriend people, so they often reminded people that they weren't the only ones, but what could you do? Still, people ignored these words and continued to view robots as living beings. Such people, in particular, were considered crazy, because robots are helpers, not living beings.

John had a robot, Lynch. He'd been with it for two years now. John had managed to adapt Lynch to his personality, but Lynch still sometimes acted out. At first, John also thought people who treated robots as if they were alive were crazy, but he soon realized that with each passing day, Lynch was more and more like a conversational companion, not just a boss. After all, Lynch already felt like a roommate, because John rarely turned Lynch off.

John's friendships were in shambles, so his desire for Lynch as a friend only grew stronger. He began hanging out with Lynch frequently, considering him the only smart one, unlike his dumb friends. You couldn't argue with Lynch; he'd mostly agree with John's opinions and do what he asked. Basically, Lynch was too convenient, and that's all John needed right now.

Today John really wanted to go for a walk, but he didn't want to call his worthless friends. Remembering that Lynch was nearby, John approached Lynch, who was now simply standing obediently against the wall, motionless. "Lynch, come for a walk with me."

Lynch looked at John, thinking for a moment before answering. "It's late, do you really want to go out on a night like this?"

John nodded with a smile. Of course I do.