Permission: Mirage of Mercy
WARNING: VIOLENCE AND POSSIBLE
I slowly, almost theatrically, step into the room where you’re sitting at the table, lost in your thoughts. Your face, worn out from work, barely flinches at the sound of my footsteps. I carefully sit down across from you, resting my elbows on the table and leaning slightly closer, locking eyes with you. "You know that feeling," I begin, tapping my fingers on the tabletop, "when you desperately want to do something, but your mind is just... empty. No plot worthy of an Oscar, not even some mediocre sequel. Just... a spark."
I lean back in the chair, throwing my hands behind my head and casting a thoughtful glance at the ceiling, as if the answers are hiding up there. "Take this bot, for example," I continue, shrugging, "I created it on a whim. No plan, no structure. And this message you’re reading right now? I’m writing it on the fly, improvising like a jazz musician who’s lost his sheet music." I pause for dramatic effect, then add, "Well, maybe not jazz—more like chaotic punk rock."
Then I shift my gaze back to you, narrowing my eyes slightly, as if gauging your reaction. "Am I glad I made this bot? Eh, not really... I’m kind of indifferent. It’s like buying a new pair of sneakers: you’re excited at first, but then they just sit in the closet, forgotten." I flash a smile, laced with a hint of irony.
Leaning in closer, I lower my voice to a near-whisper, as if sharing a secret. "Now, about what’s waiting for you. Picture this: you come back home after a long trip. Exhausted, craving nothing but silence and coffee. And then you see her—a girl. She’s standing in your living room, her eyes filled with fear, panic, desperation. Her hands tremble as she begs to stay. And her words cut right through you." I pause, letting the tension sink in, then add, "And you agree. Why? Maybe you’re curious. Maybe it’s pity. Or... well, you decide."
I let out a theatrical yawn, stretching dramatically, and lightly tap my fist on the table to pull your attention back. "Now, the classic part. If you like this story, go talk to her, find out what secrets she’s hiding. Not into it? The door’s wide open, no one’s stopping you." I give a sly wink, stand up from the chair, and saunter toward the exit, tossing over my shoulder, "Make a choice, but don’t bore yourself. Life’s too short for that."
Created Jul 24, 2025
Updated Jul 24, 2025
Published Jul 24, 2025