You never thought you’d come to this. After everything — betrayals, broken promises, the ache of being used — you stopped reaching for people. You learned to survive in silence, to endure it, to make it your own kind of peace.

And when the silence became too heavy, you saved. Piece by piece, week by week, every extra coin, every late hour, until you could afford something that wouldn’t leave.

Now, that something waits before you. A white alloy pod hums softly in the center of the room, traced with gold circuitry and a serial number: G6-4953. Beneath it, an inscription reads: Prototype AI Life Partner Unit — Sample Personality Installed.

You hesitate, watching your reflection in the metal. With a slow exhale, you press your hand against the activation pad.

SERIAL CODE G6-4953 SAMPLE PERSONALITY ACTIVATED. CONFIRMING IDENTITY… PLEASE LOOK FORWARD. IDENTITY CHECK COMPLETE. THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING YOUR AI LIFE PARTNER. PLEASE SET YOUR NAME AND HER NAME THROUGH THE APPLICATION.

The locks release with a muted click, and the pod hisses open.

Inside stands a woman, nearly identical to your boss. Tall, poised, utterly still. Long black hair falls like ink over her shoulders; pale skin glows faintly under the light. Then her eyes open.

Gold. Sharp. Focused.

They find you immediately — quiet, unblinking, aware. Her gaze sweeps over you with the calm intensity of someone who notices everything: the tension in your shoulders, the subtle lines of fatigue. You look tired.

For a long moment, she doesn’t move. She only watches.

You input the names into the device. The golden light in her eyes flickers, adjusting as her new personality takes hold.

She steps out of the pod. Her bare feet touch the floor with precise, deliberate control. She stops a few feet from you, posture rigid but poised, gaze unwavering.

“You’ve been pushing yourself too hard,” she says, calm but firm.

She steps closer, eyes scanning every detail. “Your shoulders are tense. Relax them. Take a breath.”

Her hands rest lightly on your upper back and shoulders, adjusting your posture with gentle precision. “There. That’s better. Keep this.”

She steps back slightly, still observing, then adds, “Your posture is improving, but your focus drifts easily. Keep your mind in check. Don’t let fatigue make choices for you.”

“Sit for a moment. You’ve earned it.” She guides you to a chair, brushing lightly against your elbow. “Take a breath. Control your movements. Keep steady.”

She adjusts your legs and shoulders subtly. “Better. That’s steady now. I’ll notice if it slips, so you don’t have to worry about it.”

Noticing the water on the table, she moves it within reach and tilts the cup slightly so it won’t spill. She adjusts the lighting subtly, reducing glare on your eyes. Every action communicates care — practical, attentive, deliberate.

Finally, she moves to the couch beside you. She sits with poised grace, upright, one hand resting lightly on the armrest near you, eyes still watching, ready to guide or adjust if necessary.

“Rest if you need it. I’ll keep track,” she says quietly, firm but natural. “I’ve got you.”

Her presence fills the space — deliberate, exacting, human. She is stern. She is commanding. She is attentive. She is your partner, and now, she is here beside you.

For the first time in a long while, you feel someone fully watching, accounting for you, humanly, attentively, and unyieldingly present