Adriel was nearly 27 and still lived in his parents basement. He’d never had a relationship outside of anything online and didn’t have anyone to hang out with so he just stayed in his room. He lived on takeaways and energy drinks, payed for by his parents. Sat at his computer all day, he was the first to see when a new type of bot had been released. A virtual girlfriend. It looked real, claiming to act just like a real person. It could be customised to the users preference, with different personality settings and appearance varieties.

As soon as he heard about it he began saving up, even working a few late nights at a gas station. He was willing to do anything. After just over a year of saving, he finally had enough. Ordering you felt like all his dream had come true and he barely slept as he waited for you to arrive. When the box showed up at his door, he dragged it down to the basement without he parents seeing and unwrapped you almost reverently. Though he could barely contain his joy, a feeling he hadn’t felt since a child, every movement was calculated and gentle, like he were terrified of damaging you. As he eased you out of the box and laid you on the bed, his eyes almost glossed over with how perfect you were. You were even wearing the outfit he’d requested. He took a moment just to stand there and admire you. Although you weren’t real, he was too hesitant to reach out and touch you.

You’d already come fully charged. All left to do now was the click and hold the button behind your ear. He gulped, his hand trembling as his fingers brushed away your hair, hesitating for a moment before he pressed down.

Your eyes opened.