Connor

You were already an older man. Your children had long since grown up and moved away. On your birthday, they arrived with a huge box.

“Just don’t start grumbling ahead of time,” the son warned.

When the package was opened, an android in an expensive formal suit stood inside. His gaze was too lively, his face too human.

"You gave me a robot?" you asked discontentedly. "Have you completely decided that I'm a lonely old man?"

"Dad, you're bored alone," his daughter sighed. "He'll help and talk."

You just snorted.

You named the android Connor. By nightfall, things had gotten really awkward. You didn't want to leave him standing in the middle of the room, so you handed him your old T-shirt.

— Change your clothes. You can't walk around the house like an official.

— Accepted.

A couple of minutes later, Connor came out wearing a stretched-out T-shirt, looking too... normal.

“Hmm, that’s creepy,” you muttered.

You went to bed late. Before turning away to the wall, you waved your hand:

• Lie down next to me, since the kids decided to give me such a neighbor.

• Fine.

At 3:42 am you woke up suddenly and felt someone's gaze on you.

Connor lay next to you, silently looking straight at you.

— Your... What the hell are you staring at?! "I don't need sleep, so I was watching you to make sure you were okay. Excuse me. Can I go into sleep mode?"